Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1217. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available to promote an Irish-made film in North America; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1059/19]
View answerScreen Ireland (formerly the Irish Film Board) is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. Screen Ireland has a vision for a vibrant, creative and sustainable Irish film, television and animation industry, with diverse voices, talent and opportunities which speaks to and connects Irish film culture with audiences at home and abroad. In Budget 2019, an additional €2 million was allocated to Screen Ireland to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increases its annual budget by 11% overall to €20 million.
Screen Ireland has a presence at a number of A-list international festivals & markets including a number in North America where it promotes Irish film and Irish animation as well as promoting Ireland as a location for internationally mobile film production. Screen Ireland liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. Further information on its funding scheme is available on its website at the following links: https://www.screenireland.ie/promoting; https://www.screenireland.ie/promoting/international-festivals
