Vol. 631 No. 5
6 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will clarify his recent call for figures within the racing industry to support the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse; the amount of money the Government has hitherto pledged to the redevelopment; if he anticipates further Government support for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5547/07]
The redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse is part of an overall programme through which €280 million will be invested in racecourse development throughout the country by the end of 2007 under Horse Racing Ireland's, HRI, capital development fund for Irish racecourses. Under this fund, HRI, which is the statutory body responsible for the horseracing industry, will provide up to €140 million in grant aid with racecourses financing the balance from their own resources. HRI has approved grant aid of €35.6 million towards the redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse.
HRI receives a guaranteed level of funding each year from the horse and greyhound racing fund, which is based on accrued excise duty on off-course betting, subject to a minimum level based on the year 2000 level adjusted for inflation. Any shortfall in the amount generated by the excise duty is made up by direct Exchequer subvention. Since 2001, HRI has received over €317 million from the horse and greyhound racing fund and will receive a further €58 million from the fund in 2007. The new national development plan, covering the period 2007-13, includes €70 million in capital provision for the horse and greyhound racing industries which will enable HRI and Bord na gCon to undertake the further development of a network of facilities for both industries. In addition, both industries also receive a significant level of current funding under the provisions of the fund which enables the industries to meet borrowing commitments.
The redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse, which is the flagship project for Kildare, will involve the movement of the existing road, construction of a new grandstand and facilities and the relocation of the Stand House Hotel to overlook the racecourse. This will result in a world-class facility and further enhance Ireland's reputation as a world leader in the field of horse racing. Work has now commenced on the road and this is scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2007. The full redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2009.
The redevelopment of the racecourse has received the support of His Highness, the Aga Khan, who in 2003 purchased the Stand House Hotel adjacent to the racecourse and donated it to the Turf Club on behalf of Irish racing. I acknowledge his generosity and the role played by the then senior steward of the Turf Club, Ray Rooney. The redevelopment has also received the support of three leading owners who are sponsoring the construction cost of the road and it was in this context that I recently urged those who benefit most from the industry to also support the redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse, which is the home of flat racing in Ireland. I acknowledge the role played by all involved with the Curragh racecourse, including the current senior steward, Pierce Molony, and thank them for their continuing effort and commitment.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply and associate myself with his remarks about the Aga Khan and the three owners. I attended the Moyglare dinner at the K Club at which the Minister stated he was looking for others to do as those owners did and get behind the project. This gives rise to concern that some aspects of the industry are not fully supportive of the development at the Curragh. I asked the question to find out whether the Minister's remarks were a general overview of the position aimed at getting everyone who could support the Curragh in their own way to do so, although they may not have offered financial support like the three owners. It is the flagship of the flat racing world and certainly generates huge revenue for Kildare and the counties in its catchment area during the flat season. I asked the question to see whether it was a general overview to get people involved who could take on other aspects of the development and sponsor or fund it as the three owners have done in respect of the new road. This road, which is nearing completion, will certainly be very significant for safety and the transport of horses on the Curragh and will allow the development to take place. Did the Minister believe there was someone who could add further to the development at the Curragh?
Are there other sporting events or aspects of sport which could be catered for at the Curragh? I know that, at one stage, the late Michael Osborne, God rest him, proposed that a project concerning national hunt racing could be undertaken. I do not think this developed into anything. Does the Minister have a view on this?
My remarks at the dinner, to which the Deputy referred, were of a general nature in acknowledging the contribution of His Highness, the Aga Khan, and the generosity of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. I was encouraging other people involved in the industry who benefit from it to see whether they could also invest for the benefit of the racing industry and, in particular, the benefit of racing in Kildare and its flagship project, the Curragh, which is the headquarters of Irish flat racing.
To answer Deputy Wall's second question, I do not envisage national hunt racing taking place at the Curragh under this particular development. The Curragh will remain a flat racing course which is, unquestionably, one of the finest of its kind in the world. I am delighted that this major development for Kildare, Irish flat racing and the Irish racing industry is taking place. It is very important. In 2009, when the racing and general public see the newly designed Curragh, they will agree this is a state-of-the-art, world-class race track with every modern facility available. I envisage it making an enormous contribution to the Irish racing industry, sporting public and, in particular, the economy of County Kildare.
7 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his legislative priorities for the new Dáil session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5561/07]
My legislative priorities are the two Bills from this Department listed on the Government legislation programme for the spring session of 2007 — the Irish Sports Council (Amendment) Bill and the Bord na gCon (Amendment) Bill. The purpose of the Irish Sports Council (Amendment) Bill is to provide for the granting of powers to the Irish Sports Council to establish subsidiary companies.
The Bord na gCon (Amendment) Bill is intended to give effect to the recommendations of the recent Dalton report into certain matters affecting Bord na gCon. The Bill deals with the reconfiguration of the board, with particular reference to the number and tenure of ordinary board members and the tenure of the chairman, and the need to separate regulatory functions from promotional functions, both of which are now the responsibility of Bord na gCon.
Obviously, these are two important Bills. It is of the utmost importance that the measures in the Bord na gCon (Amendment) Bill are implemented as a matter of urgency. Obviously, determining the business of the House depends on the Whips. Can the Minister indicate when the Bord na gCon (Amendment) Bill will be introduced? Which of the Bills will be introduced first? Does he envisage that both of them will be completed this session? The Bord na gCon (Amendment) Bill has huge significance and everyone in the greyhound racing industry is seeking to have it completed as a matter of urgency.
I imagine the Irish Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, which is at an advanced stage of preparation with just a small number of technical issues to be resolved, will be the first to come before the House. It is difficult to know whether the legislation will be passed during the course of this Dáil. I think the time might be tight.
8 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the latest quarterly tourism figures. [5655/07]
13 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the chief executive of Tourism Ireland that the ambitious growth targets in the tourism sector here could be jeopardised by some external challenges, but also by value for money concerns within Ireland and by a perceived deterioration in hospitality here towards foreign visitors; his views on these sentiments; the efforts he is making to address them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5549/07]
20 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to new figures from Tourism Ireland showing that while tourism revenue increased in 2006, it did not equate to the rise in visitor numbers, due to primary growth coming from short stay visitors from eastern Europe; his views on this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5548/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 13 and 20 together.
The CSO has not yet produced last December's tourism figures, but all of the indications are that 2006 was a landmark year for tourism. We expect to have received a total of 7.4 million visitors in 2006, an increase of close to 10% on 2005. Figures from the CSO for the first nine months of the year show an increase of 11% in foreign revenue earnings. In respect of mainland Europe, the 11-month figures show numbers are up by almost 19% on the corresponding period in 2005.
Part of this impressive performance has been due to an increased number of visitors from central and eastern Europe and there is no doubt this region will be an increasingly important tourism market for Ireland. However, the bulk of our growth from mainland Europe in 2006 still came from our traditional markets.
Outside of mainland Europe, all of our major tourism markets have shown healthy increases in the first 11 months of 2006, with visitors from Great Britain up by 6.2%, visitors from north America up by 10.5% and visitors from other long-haul routes up by 7.8%.
Looking ahead to 2007, a growth target of 5.6% in overseas visitor numbers has been set. This represents a higher rate of growth than that predicted for international tourism this year. The target is particularly ambitious when viewed against the background of changing consumer preferences, tougher international competition and pressures on Ireland's relative competitive positioning. In particular, the continuation of the later booking pattern, changing consumer demands and the increased demand for authentic holiday experiences will pose challenges for the industry here.
This year, I was pleased to again secure record levels of Exchequer investment for tourism services, a total of €154 million. This will enable both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to implement a comprehensive set of programmes to help ensure targets are met. In particular, the increased marketing fund of €45 million, an increase of 12.5% on last year's provision, will enable both agencies to significantly step up their marketing activities.
The indicators for 2007 are positive but it would be a mistake to be complacent. If we have learned anything from the past five years, it is to expect the unexpected. We do not know what we could face in terms of international developments and the Irish tourism industry and tourism agencies have weathered many storms over the past five years. We have learned to be flexible, to adapt and to take nothing for granted in the process.
It is a tough world in the international tourism marketplace and nowadays we have to run pretty hard just to stand still. In that context, it is gratifying we are doing so well. Our marketing investment has certainly been paying off but Tourism Ireland is indicating that we cannot live by marketing alone. Put simply, the product experience must deliver on the promise.
Competitiveness is still an issue and will continue to be, as it will for most high-cost destinations. The higher the cost of the product, the more emphasis we must place on quality and value for money. Visitors should be satisfied they are getting value for their money. Research shows that, in general, it is the basic cost-of-living items that impact most on visitors' awareness in terms of value for money, and not the basic tourism and travel components, such as the cost of transport and accommodation.
The friendliness of the Irish people and the welcome for the visitor is legendary and has been a pillar of Irish tourism for a long time. However, the pace of life and composition of our workforce is changing. Visitors to many of our hotels and restaurants, especially in the cities, meet fewer Irish staff. If visitors look forward to meeting Irish people and they do not have that experience, they may feel somewhat disappointed.
Our immigrant workforce in the hospitality industry provides a great level of service and has injected a new cosmopolitan dynamic into Irish tourism but there is that intangible Irish "thing" — wit, craic or the potential to be surprised by humorous insights or exchanges — that legend almost demands be part of the Irish experience and which is hard to manufacture. We are currently in a transition period and we have to manage that. Nevertheless it is important to point out that our traditional tourism pillars of people and place are still holding up as major sources of satisfaction in our visitor surveys.
Given the challenges, it is all the more important that we focus strongly on improving the quality of our service and product, as well as other issues that impact on the tourism experience. My Department and the tourism industry will continue to focus on implementation of the New Horizons tourism strategy and its associated action plan to ensure the current good level of progress is maintained.
Although our tourism figures have continued to rise, the length of stay has tended to decrease. This shows that notwithstanding people's pressurised lives, they find Ireland too costly and are staying here for a shorter period.
It is interesting to note that since 1999 we had a surplus of €650 million in terms of earnings from all visitors to Ireland versus expenditure by Irish visitors abroad. Now we have a deficit of almost the same amount. While the tourism sector is doing well, in relative terms it is not doing that well as the Exchequer is suffering with regard to overall spending on tourism, taking into account Irish spending abroad versus the spending of visitors here.
Are there any further plans to market to our native population, given the amount of time a traveller will be stuck in airports with security checks? What quality products can be offered? If one goes to Northern Ireland local people can be seen working in the industry. Will the Minister procure marketing or financial incentives to ensure local people here can be part of the product?
It is estimated that over the next six years, approximately 6,000 additional people will be required for the tourism industry here. The industry already accounts for more than 3% of GNP and has attracted approximately 246,000 to its workforce.
It is clearly important we ensure people are incentivised. In that respect I was pleased to announce this morning that we will make €148 million available to ensure the human resource element of the tourism industry is looked after, people are trained for the industry and businesses are in a position to adapt to changing circumstances.
With regard to domestic tourism and Irish people holidaying abroad, it is true that in any buoyant economy people will tend to go abroad on holidays. It is also true of a buoyant economy that people tend to take breaks at home, which is the reason we have seen a major increase in the number of Irish people holidaying at home. The industry earned approximately €4.3 billion from foreign sources last year, but it is sometimes forgotten that the income from domestic sources was €1.6 billion, giving a total of €5.9 billion.
In addition, statistics show that visitor numbers to this country to the end of November last year increased by 10.3%, but revenue for the first three quarters increased by 11%. There is now a definite correlation between the increase in the number of visitors and increase in revenue.
The Minister might answer the questions asked during the priority question that he refused to answer. He is very much into statistics and I am sure he will have those I am after. Will he outline specifically the percentage distribution of international tourism revenue between the eastern seaboard and the rest of the country for 2005 and 2006, as well as comparable figures for 2000?
As the Minister has mentioned, a number of foreign nationals now work in our hotel and catering industries, which we all welcome. What specific steps is the Government taking to ensure they are equipped with information, that they can give directions and that they understand the ethos of Irish tourism?
When will the building of the National Conference Centre commence? The turning of the sod will no doubt be a big event.
We are moving away from the scope of the questions before us.
The questions I have asked are related.
These are mainly statistical questions.
The Minister gave statistics. The question itself was on statistics.
It was not.
It referred to quarterly tourism figures.
If Deputy Deenihan wished us to give the specifics, if available, on the breakdown of the amount spent on the east coast and west coast by visitors to the country, he should have put down a question to that effect.
I asked that question.
What I can say to Deputy Deenihan is there is evidence of a substantial increase last year in the number of visitors coming to the regions. Of that, there is no question. There is a correlation between the increase in the number of visitors and the revenue. I have explained all of that already.
With regard to the national conference centre, about which Deputy Deenihan asked, I anticipate we should be in a position to close the deal on it in the very near future. Some loose ends require to be tied up and then I sincerely hope we will be in a position to proceed with it. A national conference centre is of immense importance because of the fact that we anticipate it will be worth in the order of €50 million in additional tourism revenue to Dublin and will attract anything up to 30,000 additional visitors to the city.
On the statistical questions which Deputy Deenihan asked, I will try to get the figures he requested. I cannot guarantee they are available but we will try to come as close as we can to getting them.
What prompted this question was a statement by the chief executive of Tourism Ireland, Mr. Paul O'Toole, to the effect that a number of factors could impinge on the ambitious growth rates for the future. He went on to talk about currency fluctuations, global socio-economic uncertainty and a number of other factors. He also referred to the decline in the value for money rating and the perception of tourists that the warmth of the Irish welcome was beginning to disappear. I accept I have not had an opportunity to see the statement released this morning about what is being done in that regard. What is being done to change that perception given the context of such an important person in the industry stating his concern about the value for money rating?
Given all the recent price increases for gas, electricity etc., the tourism industry will have to pass on some of them. What can we do to overcome the two factors referred to by the CEO? The Minister may reply that some discussion on this matter took place this morning but I am unaware of what was said because I was in Kildare at a function attended by the Taoiseach. I have not seen any press release on this matter.
It is understandable the chief executive of Tourism Ireland would make his concerns known on two very important issues. As Deputy Wall stated, one of these relates to competitiveness and value for money. The other matter relates to the warmth of the Irish welcome. Both factors are of pivotal importance in terms of advancing the cause of the tourism industry.
Ours is a free market economy. We have advised the industry on numerous occasions about the need to remain competitive and to offer value for money. To be fair, there has been a response. For example, the Restaurants Association Of Ireland introduced a value menu and, in general, several outlets offer reasonable bargains to potential visitors to their establishments. We have seen an improvement in the perception of foreign visitors where value for money issues and competitiveness are concerned. There is no question but satisfaction with all-round value for money has improved since 2004. However, I accept it remains below the levels recorded in the early years of the decade and it continues to be the most critically greeted aspect of the Irish holiday experience.
Overall, 14% of holidaymakers in 2006 were dissatisfied with the statement that Ireland offered good all-round value for money, but a much higher percentage, just over two in five people, or 41%, were satisfied with this aspect of their holiday. It appears the message is getting through. The comparatively negative view of good all-round value for money is reflected in how holidaymakers perceive the cost of living in Ireland. Almost half described it as higher than they had expected. The costs that caused most surprise related to eating out and alcohol, although there is also evidence of resistance to other costs such as food in shops and supermarkets, accommodation and car hire.
With regard to the Irish welcome, we announced a substantial fund this morning for human resources training under the new national development plan under the Fáilte Ireland tourism strategy. I anticipate this should result in far greater professionalism among new people in the industry.
9 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the situation in regard to the new National Concert Hall complex; if he will report on the inaugural meeting of the steering committee for the redevelopment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5550/07]
31 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the extension to the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5704/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 31 together.
The inaugural meeting of the inter-agency steering committee established for the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall was held on 4 December 2006, under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of my Department. The committee members are the Secretary General of my Department, the chairman of the Office of Public Works, the chairman of the National Concert Hall, the manager of Dublin City Council, a representative of the National Development Finance Agency, and the assistant Secretary General of my Department with responsibility for the arts and culture brief. The director of the National Concert Hall was in attendance at this meeting also. My Department provided the secretary to the committee.
The task of the inter-agency steering committee, in general terms, is to oversee the procurement, negotiation and construction phases of the design, build, finance and maintain PPP for the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall, in compliance with relevant Department of Finance guidelines and in adherence to the terms of the Government decisions germane to the project, and to realise the vision set for the project.
As the inter-agency steering committee is overseeing a deliberative, commercially sensitive PPP process, it would be inappropriate to report on its meetings. The committee's terms of reference require it "to maintain confidential all materials that shall come to be considered by it, having regard to the commercially sensitive aspects of the process, and relevant governing legislation".
As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 26 October 2006, contracts for the purchase of the interest of University College Dublin in the Earlsfort Terrace site were executed on 20 September 2006. University College Dublin has already transferred some of its personnel and functions to Belfield and will decant from the remainder in 2007. A lease-back arrangement has been put in place by the OPW with the college until late 2007, by which time the college will have fully vacated the premises.
I thank Mr. Philip Furlong, who I understand retires today, for all his help and assistance to me as party spokesperson. Will he continue to be chair of this committee and if not, has the Minister selected someone to replace him? Given his experience in the Department and the nature of the development I would welcome him remaining in this position.
This question appears to be tabled ad nauseam. Can the Minister outline a timeframe for the completion of the project? Will it take two, three or four years? Is it possible for the Minister to indicate a completion date of 2008, 2009 or whatever? That is what people in the tourism sector and lovers of music wish to hear.
Whether Mr. Furlong remains as chairman of the steering group will hinge on circumstances which have yet to unfold. It is not possible to say at this point what will be the case. I hope he will be in a position to continue as chairperson because, as Deputy Wall stated, he is a man of considerable experience. He was also successfully involved in the national conference centre.
Mr. Furlong retires today after a distinguished life in public service that began in 1961, when he joined the Civil Service as an executive officer, rising to Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Finance and Secretary General at the Department of Arts, Gaeltacht, Heritage and the Islands and Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to record the outstanding achievement of Mr. Furlong. He was an outstanding civil servant and a man whose commitment, experience and knowledge is acknowledged throughout the public service.
Regarding the National Concert Hall, I cannot give an exact timeframe to Deputy Furlong——
He would make a great Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
I mean Deputy Wall. Maybe Mr. Furlong will be a Deputy later. He would be a great Minister because he helped me. Work is advanced on the accommodation brief of the redeveloped National Concert Hall project.
I acknowledge the contribution made by Mr. Philip Furlong, especially to the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. He was accessible at all times to the Opposition and helpful. I wish Mr. Con Haugh the best in his new position. He will fill the shoes of Mr. Philip Furlong.
There will be surplus space when UCD medical and engineering faculties relocate to Belfield. The Royal Irish Academy of Music has requested accommodation on the site of the existing concert hall. Synergy would occur between the concert hall, the three performing spaces and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. This institution produces the talent of the future and it would be convenient for major international performers to interact with the students of the academy. The academy could put on major performances in the new concert hall. Has this possibility been explored and will the Minister consider my proposal?
I advised Deputy Deenihan that I would bring this proposal to the attention of the steering group and the board of the National Concert Hall. I have no update on the situation but will make inquiries about the current position and write to Deputy Deenihan.
10 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the latest efforts being made to attract more international film-makers to produce their films here; his views on the drop-off in the number of films being produced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/07]
I refer the Deputy to my previous replies of 26 October 2006 and 30 November 2006 regarding the incentives available for film production in the State. I explained at that time that the task of attracting international production to Ireland is dependent on a number of elements, not all of which fall within the sphere of influence of my Department or of the Irish Film Board. Decisions to site a film project in a particular territory involve complex funding, cultural, logistical and project-specific elements, all of which must gel for a successful result. As described in these previous replies, primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.
My Department's primary role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the section 481 tax relief scheme. I have previously outlined the Government's initiatives and enhancements of the scheme contained in the Finance Act 2006 in recognition of the changing dynamics of this industry, aimed at increasing Ireland's attractiveness as a film-making location. These incentives are kept under review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any necessary amendments to retain or regain competitiveness will be addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate.
The Irish Film Board has been the driving force in such endeavours and, with its overall funding for 2007 increased to €19.7 million, it will be enabled to continue with its key role of developing and supporting film production in Ireland. The increased current allocation will facilitate the board in marketing Ireland as a film location and, in particular, will assist the work of the newly appointed film commissioner in Los Angeles in raising the profile of the Irish audiovisual industry abroad.
The welcome additional funding provided by me to the Irish Film Board in 2005 and 2006, totalling €3.5 million, was directed to supporting international productions that could demonstrate clear economic, industrial and cultural benefits to Ireland. The Irish Film Board's judicious selection of projects to support in 2005 resulted in significant additional Irish production activity worth €30 million in 2005 and €34 million in 2006. Therefore, €3.5 million generated €64 million. The evidence in employment, training and turnover is clear, going some way to restoring the health of the sector which had to rely on low scale indigenous production in 2004 and 2005.
The continuing increases in capital funding to the Irish Film Board since 2004 have ensured support to meet the demands of the industry in the areas of project and talent development, training and indigenous film and television production. The increased support enables the Irish Film Board to fulfil its aim of sustained growth of the industry, increasing the number and quality of films produced in Ireland each year.
Was it last year or the year before the Minister went to Hollywood?
He brought back a great sheepdog, Lassie.
I am not sure which year he went to Hollywood.
Lassie is now rounding up sheep around Cahirciveen.
In leading that delegation to attract international films to Ireland, was there a positive outcome? Given that we are approaching St. Patrick's Day, with Ministers attending pageantry around the world, are any Ministers attending Hollywood? I have always supported this practice because it provides a great opportunity to develop tourism. Visiting Hollywood could create an image that may assist employment and the development of the arts and actors by attracting more international films.
Irrespective of when I went to Hollywood, it feels as if I never left it.
During the St. Patrick's Day festivities and over the course of that week many Ministers travel to different parts of the world. It affords us an opportunity to advertise Ireland on the world stage. As a small nation on the periphery of Europe, we must take advantage of it. No other country of comparable size is afforded the publicity Ireland receives on that day. The ministerial visits have been a catalyst for economic growth and development on this island. It is possible that one of my colleagues will be in Los Angeles, one of the designated cities, during the week. I will ask my colleague to promote the Irish film industry. Since I became the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism it has been traditional to brief each of my colleagues visiting a foreign location on the advantages that may accrue from tourism. They act as ambassadors, bringing visitors back to the country.
We have a permanent film ambassador in Los Angeles whose job it is to liaise with the major studios to attract film production to the country. I will ask whichever colleague goes to Los Angeles to see if it is possible for him or her to meet the representative and liaise with Hollywood production companies with a view to attracting film productions to Ireland.
Will the Minister expand on the job description for the film ambassador? Does that person have other responsibilities? Does that person have an office in Los Angeles and has he or she been successful?
Will the Minister commit to the continuation of section 481 beyond 2008? The capping on the level of investment in a film is too low to attract the type of blockbuster film that would travel internationally. Typically, that would require €100 million.
What is the future viability of Ardmore Studios? I understand that little is happening there. In the event that anything does happen to Ardmore, does the Government have any plans to provide services that will keep the industry going and developing?
Last year was extremely successful for the Irish film industry. The number of certified productions at the end of the year was the highest in several years. The total certified spend last year was €202.5 million, which was a significant increase on previous years, except 2003. The section 481 amount last year was the highest in several years, at €110.8 million.
The British have changed their rules on film and offered good incentives to the industry. We are in competition with them. The Minister for Finance increased the cap to €35 million from €15 million and increased the relevant percentages, which did a great a deal for the industry. The British Chancellor, Mr. Brown, however, took a personal interest in the reliefs available there which makes it more difficult for us to compete. The question is whether to get involved in a Dutch auction, which is not the preferred option, or to see if we can enhance the co-production arrangements which we have with Britain and examine whether it is possible to reach a mutually compatible and acceptable position.
We are far ahead of other jurisdictions in terms of television production. We are the only one which offers section 481 type of relief to television production, which has resulted in some major television series being made here. I have no reason to believe that this will not continue during 2007 although I accept that, in the absence of changing section 481 to bring it into line with British laws, inward film production could be more difficult.
I understand that the ambassador, or representative, of the Irish film industry in Los Angeles is located in the Enterprise Ireland building and that he liaises with Hollywood production companies with a view to bringing productions to Ireland. I hope that this will be successful.
The future of Ardmore is contingent on the success or otherwise of the Irish film industry which I hope will continue to grow as it did in 2006. I have no doubt that there will be such growth in television production.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
