Jimmy Deenihan
Question:113 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to develop the film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/02]
Written Answers. - Film Industry.
Joan Burton
Question:116 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support he plans to give the Irish film industry in the coming months and years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19087/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 116 together.
My Department is responsible for the certification of projects under section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. To give a degree of certainty to the Irish film industry the Finance Act, 2000, provided that this tax-based incentive scheme, aimed at encouraging private investment in film production in the State, will continue until April 2005. In 2001, some 23 projects involving a total spend of €188.5 million were certified. To date this year, 18 projects have been certified, involving a total spend of €129.1 million. I hope to visit the United States of America in the new year to encourage the US film industry to continue to choose Ireland as a location for film and television production.
It is a priority of my Department to continue to support the Irish Film Industry and, in particular, the central role of the Irish Film Board in that context. On foot of the recommendations contained in the final report of the film industry strategic review group, August 1999, the Film Board has been restructured. The staffing complement of the board has risen from four in 1997 to 16 in 2002. The financial resources available to the board have also increased significantly, from a total of €4.14 million in 1997 to €12.265 million in 2002.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 83.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 110.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 113.