Vol. 534 No. 4
73 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement on the outcome of her recent visit to Los Angeles to meet executives of eight leading film making companies. [10692/01]
The purpose of my recent visit to Los Angeles was 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 positive reaction and I am confident my visit has created opportunities which will be pursued by the Screen Commission of Ireland.
