Vol. 520 No. 2
25 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has for the development and advancement of the film industry in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15292/00]
On 15 December last, I announced my strategic plan for the development of the film industry in Ireland following consideration of the report of the film industry strategic review group.
The Government has agreed to assign the audiovisual industry a central place in Ireland's industrial policy through co-ordinated commitment of the industrial agencies of the State, together with the Irish Film Board, to the development of the industry's full potential and, in particular, to fostering strong indigenous companies in this sector. Underpinned by the five year extension of the section 481 tax scheme for investment in film, the Government has approved the strengthening and enhancement of the Irish film board to address the strategic goals identified in the report of the film industry strategic review group. The board will be assigned substantially increased capital and staff resources for its new functions.
I am in the final stage of appointing consultants to make recommendations to me on the appropriate governance and executive structures the board will require to take on the additional responsibilities recommended by the group. Arrangements are being made to increase the capital ceiling for the board in anticipation of increased investment by the board in development, production and training.
Finally, Ireland recently signed and ratified the European Convention on cinematographic co-production. This will provide a framework to facilitate Irish companies to enter into co-production agreements with European partners, with mutual access to public funding for production activities in their respective countries.
