Vol. 534 No. 4
195 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of films likely to be produced on location here over the next 12 months; the degree to which she has set about to encourage the expansion of the film industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11049/01]
My Department cannot say how many films are likely to be produced in the State over the next 12 months. My Department's area of responsibility relates to the certification of films under the section 481 tax relief scheme. While a total of nine such certificates have issued so far in 2001, this may not be taken as indicative of projects which will actually be undertaken in this period. Based on the trends of previous years, it is likely that between 28 and 35 films will be made here in 2001, under the section 481 scheme, but this assessment does not take account of the impact of the foot and mouth pre cautions in restricting access to locations selected for film making. I should add that I recently visited Los Angeles in order to further develop and strengthen the links between the US film industry and the Irish film industry. Meetings and contacts took place with key executives at major studios including MGM Pictures, Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures. These executives have potentially pivotal roles regarding decisions affecting film making in Ireland and I used my visit to emphasise the advantages of Ireland as a location for film makers, including the section 481 tax incentive, which has been extended for five years up to April 2005. I received a very positive reaction and I am confident that my visit has created opportunities which will be pursued by the Screen Commission of Ireland.
