Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 4

Written Answers - Film Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

43 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the extent to which it is planned to expand the film industry here in the next five years; the extent to which it is intended to increase employment in the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10746/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The Film Industry Strategic Review Group envisaged that the film industry will quadruple its output from £123 million to beyond £500 million over the next decade. Some 4,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the sector. Therefore, it is reasonable to project that employment levels will exceed 10,000 if that target is reached.