Vol. 441 No. 1
19 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has satisfied himself with the range and level of technical facilities available to the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
22 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has satisfied himself with the range and level of technical facilities available to the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 19 agus 22 le chéile.
The Deputies will be aware that I have already put in place an integrated package of policy measures to promote the Irish film and television production industry, including the re-establishment of Bord Scannán na hÉireann; the enactment of broadcasting legislation to link RTE commissionings with the independent production sector; the establishment of a new television service, Telefís na Gaeilge; significant additional tax incentives; continued support by An Chomhairle Ealaíon for film organisations and film and video awards; support from Údarás na Gaeltachta for the establishment of audiovisual production companies in the Gaeltacht; participation in the EU MEDIA Programme; and funding by the Government towards EURIMAGES, the Council of Europe's film fund.
Given this integrated package of policy initiatives, the Deputies can rest assured that I remain open to pursue further initiatives to remove any remaining obstacles to the full development of a vibrant and sustainable film and television production industry in this country. To this end, I have established a new committee, named STATCOM, comprising senior officials of the State agencies dealing with the industry and my own Department. STATCOM has identified a number of issues requiring possible further attention by the State sector, including the unmet training requirements of the industry; the need or otherwise for a national film commission to promote Ireland as a location for facilities in the State; banking facilities and film distribution structures. STATCOM is the forum which will advise me over time as to whether new initiatives are required to address the range and level of technical facilities available to the industry and I will give careful consideration, to any proposals particularly those made by the committee on this subject.
I am delighted to inform the House that the Finance Bill, 1994, published yesterday contains a new provision aimed at indigenous low budget film projects. It adopts the current £1,050,000 limit under section 35 legislation and for a one year trial period will enable companies to make a share investment of up to £350,000 in one or more films and to dispose of such shares after 12 months. That is a major concession as hitherto companies had to invest the full amount of £1,050,000 before exiting after 12 months. That measure was somewhat discriminatory against low budget Irish films because investors had to make an investment for a three year period. The new regime of films such as "Broken Harvest" made by the O'Callaghans, Cathal Black's "Korea", and Ed Guiney's "Ailsa" will benefit. The new measure will significantly assist the native film industry.
I acknowledge the enormous contribution made by the Minister since he took up office to the development of the Irish film industry. I compliment the industry for the manner in which it responded to the increased investment. I congratulate Irish film entries recently nominated for awards which brought great credit to this country. Will the Minister agree there is a need to improve technical facilities in the industry because, recently, a film commenced here could not be completed because of a lack of technical facilities and had to be completed in Pinewood Studios in England? Recently, the eminent film critic, Barry Norman, when speaking about provisions for the industry pointed to the lack of technical facilities here. Will the Minister address this matter with the same urgency as he addressed other aspects of the industry?
It is significant that during the last 12 months more feature films were completed in Ireland than in neighbouring Britain. I appreciate the Deputy recognises that great advances have been made. STATCOM will advise on funding and the promotion of Ireland as a film making location and investigate distribution and training areas. In STATCOM, two people employed by FÁS are studying the requirements of film audio-visual and other agencies are examining training requirements. The remark about the lack of technical facilities and capacity, particularly in the post-production phase, would not have come to light if films were not awaiting completion. Ardmore, our principal facility, is an important location and is fully booked for May, June and July this year. That should not pre-empt examining that facility and other facilities to see if they can be expanded. I see no difficulty in responding to this matter as quickly as I have to other initiatives. With the establishment of STATCOM the mechanism is in place to identify areas of need and different agencies are involved in the areas of training, finance, distribution and location promotion. I will not hesitate to act on any suggestions for improvements. I am pleased that an announcement yesterday by my colleague the Minister for Finance in respect of the forthcoming Finance Bill will primarily benefit Irish producers. Producers of films such as "Broken Harvest" will qualify. Up to three companies will be able to co-ordinate finances and lower budget films from our indigenous film sector will be assisted by that welcome initiative. I thank my colleagues in Government for the support it has given to the film industry.
