Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Film Production in Ireland.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

67 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if remedial action is required to tackle the precipitate decline in foreign film production in Ireland since amendments to section 35; if Ireland's representation in key product origination areas, such as Hollywood, needs to be augmented; the indicative information, if any, he has on the likely position in this respect in each of the years 1997 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12111/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I believe that the measures to promote the film and television production industry which have been put in place by this Government will continue to promote a sustained level of both indigenous and non-indigenous production in Ireland in 1996 and in the years to come.

The indications so far are that 1996 will witness a strong level of film and television production, with 16 films and eight television productions either commenced, completed, or likely to proceed this year, including at least six international productions. Given the relatively early stage of the year, further film and television projects can be expected to emerge. Since the introduction of the new section 35 package, I have received eight applications for certification and I have already certified three of these, while awaiting further information on the other applications.

With regard to the question of improving the promotion of Ireland as a location for film and television production, I am happy to inform the Deputy that I took advantage of a prior commitment to deliver the keynote address at a United States national conference on Irish film and culture in Charlottesville, Virginia on 9-11 May last, to visit Los Angeles also.

My message to the many film producers I met during my visit was that, with the new section 35 package in place until mid-1999, and given the proactive logistical support which is available here from both central and local government in terms of the provision of locations, facilities and technical support, the producers should give serious consideration to the location of film and television production in Ireland over the next three years.

It remains my intention to implement the commitment in the Policy AgreementA Government of Renewal by proceeding with the establishment of a Screen Commission at the earliest possible opportunity. I would see the role of such a Commission as targeting the European as well as the American market for film projects to locate here and, now that the new section 35 package of incentives is firmly in place until mid-1999, I would hope to secure the Government's approval to fully exploit the future potential here by establishing such a Commission.

As for the likely position in respect of the years 1997-1998, I am not in a position to respond to this request since applications for certification of film and television projects are generally submitted to my Department only two-three months before production is likely to commence.