Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1997

Vol. 153 No. 6

Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 1997: Committee and Remaining Stages.

Section 1 agreed to.

SECTION 2.

Question proposed: "That section 2 stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Mooney

Although section 2 substitutes £30 million for £15 million, this does not mean there will be an increase in funding of £15 million, as the Bill is only enabling legislation. The funding is of the order of £3.721 million. In that context, does the Minister's remit extend to two specific areas about which I have questions?

First, is there a possibility of some form of bond being entered into by those who are funded by the film board to protect the possibility of losses being suffered by local service providers? While there have been many success stories, there have been some failures which have left a sour taste in the mouth, despite all the hype surrounding the location of a film crew in an area. After several weeks of spending money in various pubs, restaurants, hotels and of using local carpenters and other technicians, bills were left unpaid. I appreciate it is a risk industry, but is there any possibility of discussion of this to prevent it happening in future?

Second, is there any possibility the Minister could ensure under the guidelines laid down by her Department that those producers who have a questionable track record would be given short shrift if they were to approach her Department again for certification?

Mr. T. Fitzgerald

I had experience of the film "Ryan's Daughter" back in 1968. While millions of pounds were made and spent in the area afterwards due to the publicity the film gave to the Dingle peninsula, what Senator Mooney has just said is nevertheless true. One morning the entire film set and company had gone, leaving a number of people being owed substantial amounts of money which were never paid. On reading the papers, it seems the same has happened with a few other major films. I am not being critical, because the film industry is very important to selling the country and providing jobs, as mentioned by all speakers. However, it would be nice if there were some form of bond, as Senator Mooney suggested, or some way to protect local people who get involved.

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

Senator Mooney is correct to say this is an enabling Bill which raises the ceiling on funding and which does not deal with the amount of funding provided. It is important that it be clarified and it is why I referred to it on Second Stage.

I understand the concerns of Senators Tom Fitzgerald and Mooney about bonds. I know of one case where people suffered losses because a film production did not continue. While this is not strictly covered by this Bill, I will see what is possible. I will need to research it further and it can be examined in terms of the film industry generally.

I am aware of only a small number of projects which have created difficulties for investors and I believe this points to the overall soundness of the section 35 measure, as does the fact that the vast majority of certified projects proceed to production and are successfully concluded. On the specific example given by Senator Mooney on Second Stage, the guidelines for certification, which are publicly circulated, set out the broad parameters within which I certify projects. One of these parameters is the record relating to previous applications and the general film making reputation of the members of the applicant production company. When a second application is received, the record of the applicant plays an important part as to whether or not certification is given. I suggest this criterion offers some comfort to the Senator on the matter he raised.

Mr. Mooney

I have one further question concerning the allocation of moneys under the Vote of the Department. I am pleased she referred to the location of a mobile cinema in the Border counties. It was widely welcomed in my constituency, and I pay tribute to Leitrim County Council and to its secretary, Seán Kielty, who is probably the film fan par excellence in the area.

Both he and I, along with others, are involved in an ongoing project as a sequel to that initiative to create a permanent mobile cinema in the area. In the context of the Minister's reference on Second Stage to the need to regionalise film and to make it more accessible so that it is not an elitist art form or confined to Dublin, is she prepared to fund such an initiative from the film board's allocation under the Vote if the proposal were put to her Department or to the film board? It would provide a permanent mobile cinema in those parts of rural Ireland where there is no omniplex or access to a permanent cinema.

Miss de Valera

On Second Stage, I commended the film board for the action it took in 1996 on the mobile cinema unit. I know the board favours this approach in principle. In this regard I was pleased to obtain a 7.5 per cent increase in the board's capital funding for 1998, along with an additional £200,000 in current funding for next year. However, it is for the film board and not for the Department to decide how to allocate that money.

Mr. Mooney

The Minister is sympathetic.

Question put and agreed to.

Sections 3 and 4 agreed to.

TITLE.

Question proposed: "That the Title be the Title to the Bill."

Mr. Gallagher

I am still getting used to the opportunities of being on this side of the House as opposed to the constraints of being on the other side. Will the Minister respond to my query as to whether the definition of film includes those produced for video sale?

Miss de Valera

My apologies to the Senator for not referring to that matter. It was an amendment tabled but not moved by Deputy Michael D. Higgins on Committee Stage in the Dáil. That is why it was not considered on Report Stage. I assure the Senator that film has a wide definition. The definition taken on board by the film board incorporates the view that the Senator expressed.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Mr. Mooney

I thank the Minister for outlining the provisions of this technical but important legislation on the ongoing development of the Irish film industry and the manner in which she took on board the concerns, requests and queries of Senators. She did not know of these matters in advance of their being asked. It is obvious from her responses that she has a deep commitment and empathy with the thrust of the Bill and I look forward to her returning to the House with the other initiatives outlined in her Second Stage speech.

Mr. Coogan

I thank the Minister for coming here in such an open manner to discuss something which is important to the colour and character of the country and will enhance it from this point of view and that of the skills which will be developed. I am delighted that the Minister will discuss with the Minister for Education and Science the prospect of using some of the funding announced for this area.

Labhrás Ó Murchú

Rud a chuaigh i bhfeidhm orm go mór inniu ná an tslí ina raibh daoine anseo aontaithe le chéile maidir le an-chuid de na rudaí a bhí ráite. Bhí sé soiléir freisin go raibh an-tuiscint ag an Aire ar an ábhar seo. Gabhaim buíochas léi de bharr bheith anseo agus de bharr éisteacht agus freagraí a thabhairt dúinn freisin.

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

I thank Senators for contributing to the debate and for their good wishes. I look forward to my next visit to Seanad Éireann.

Question put and agreed to.