Vol. 531 No. 1
46 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she will implement the recommendations on strategic development of the film and television industry which she launched in August 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4907/01]
50 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her policy on the future of the Film Board, including its role and membership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4945/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 50 together.
The implementation of recommendations of the Film Industry Review Group is already well under way.
The section 481 tax incentive scheme has been extended for an unprecedented five-year period up to April 2005.
The Film Board's budgetary allocation has been almost doubled from £4,777,000 in 1998 to £8,700,000 in 2001. Plans for the reorganisation and strengthening of the board's management and staffing structures under the newly appointed board are under active consideration. I expect that the board will be developing a more business-focused thrust in its operations.
