Vol. 398 No. 5
40 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach if he has received representations from MEDIA 1992 on their proposals for a European Commission initiative to develop the film and audio-visual industry in Europe; if he will nominate a member of the Government as the coordinator and Minister responsible for all media matters including the film and audio-visual industry; and if the Government strongly support the industry.
The representations referred to have been received, not from MEDIA 92 which is part of the European Commission, but from a person who is employed in Ireland on one of the MEDIA projects.
There is already adequate co-ordination between the Ministers/Ministers of State with responsibility in film and audio-visual matters. I informed the House on 21 February last of the many tax incentives which have been introduced to facilitate the development of the Irish film industry and of the assistance being given to the industry by various State agencies. As a result, the industry has become progressively more professional and commercially successful over the past three years.
