David Stanton
Question:149 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support available for and his views on the state of the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10622/04]
View answerTuesday, 6 April 2004
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Written answers
There is no doubting the economic importance of film, of the fact that film employs many people, and attracts inward investment in the form of international production finance. All of these things are very important and bring great benefits. Additionally, from my perspective as Minister with responsibility for the arts, film is much more than that. The primary motivation for our support of film is that film is worth having as part of our culture, as a unique medium for the expression of our Irish perspective, for its own sake.
The Irish Film Board, funded by my Department but independent of it, is responsible on a day-to-day basis for promoting the Irish film sector. The board operates a multilayered approach, often giving film makers and script writers their first access to the business, but also seeking to advance and assist the work of more established professionals.
Among the board's objectives going forward are: to strengthen project development and production, both artistic and commercial; to develop dynamic and financially strong production companies; to raise and enhance the profile of the Irish film industry, both nationally and internationally; and to position the indigenous industry at the forefront of new technologies. I am glad I was able to secure an increase in funding for the board of over 9% for 2004, which will make a real difference to the its capacity to serve and assist the industry.
The other major strand of State support for film is through the section 481 scheme for investment in film production. This relief has now been extended to 2008, with the amount that may be raised increasing to €15 million from 2005 and is particularly important for our capacity to attract international productions to Ireland, and these productions, particularly the bigger productions, bring real economic benefits to Ireland, as well as giving our personnel the chance to develop their skills and their careers.