Vol. 515 No. 5
32 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received correspondence from EU Competition Commissioner, Mario Monti, suggesting that only certain categories of films should be eligible for Government aid or assistance under the EU's Single Market legislation; her views on this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6294/00]
I have not received such correspondence from the EU Competition Commissioner. I am aware that his Directorate has been giving detailed consideration to State aid for the film industry in Europe. Existing Irish schemes for the support of the film industry have received the approval of the Competition Direc torate. In the light of the new strategy for the film industry, my Department will seek Commission approval in the normal course for a further extension of these schemes.
