Vol. 508 No. 5
8 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement on the report of the film industry strategic review group published on 4 August 1999; the proposals, if any, she intends to bring forward arising from the report of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19128/99]
I established the film industry review group to carry out an objective evaluation of the effectiveness of existing schemes and incentives to develop the industry, to analyse and identify the fundamental issues facing the industry and make recommendations in relation to future measures in support of the film industry, and to formulate a strategic plan for the future of the industry into the next decade.
The group has now reported back to me having carried out its mission. I published the report in August this year and allowed a period for the receipt of public comment on it. The report is a solid and practical, yet inspirational, document which is the product of a year of intense work. The conclusions and recommendations of the report, together with the submissions received from the public on its content, will form the basis of the proposals to Government that I am at present formulating. These will determine the course to be followed to thrust the industry forward to the next decade.
I wish to ask the Minister her views on two of the main conclusions of the film industry strategic review group. The first conclusion is that the driving force for the strategic development of the industry must be strengthened. What is the Minister's view of the kernel point that the Irish Film Board must be strengthened and restructured? What is the Minister's view of the point made forcibly in the report that the section 481 tax concessions should remain?
With regard to the tax concessions, I presume the Deputy is referring to section 481 which was known as section 35. As I have said on a number of occasions, I feel strongly about this issue. The section has been of great benefit to the film industry and I intend to put it forward as a strong recommendation to Government. It is one of the 21 recommendations contained in the report and I intend to put it and a number of the report's other recommendations forward. This will happen soon because I am already formulating papers on this issue which will go to Government for a decision.
The issue of the strengthening and restructuring of the film board is referred to at length in the report. There are a number of excellent suggestions with regard to how and why it could and should be done. I concur with many of the views expressed in the report. It is important to be in a position to strengthen the industry and I will put forward these recommendations to the Government in due course, perhaps next month.
I remind the Minister that there is a one minute limit on supplementary replies.
With the Ceann Comhairle's permission, I wish to refer to the levy.
Very briefly.
That issue was referred to in the report. I wish to put on record that when I put forward recommendations to Government, I will not include the reference in the report to the levy on cinema seats.
What is the Minister's response to one of the conclusions in the report that film and television are the most powerful contemporary means of cultural expression? This is a wide ranging and profound statement. Does the Minister agree with it in its entirety?
I agree that broadcasters give opportunities to independent producers. As we have known over the past few years, and particularly in the last year, the indigenous industry has been going in a positive direction. We want to encourage this and, as the Deputy is aware, I have acknowledged it in the Broadcasting Bill which I hope will be discussed in the House in the coming weeks. It contains a reference to the independent sector and the responsibilities of our broadcasters with regard to our independent sector. I concur with the views expressed by the Deputy and those expressed in the report of the strategy review group that it will play an important part in the industry over the next ten years and longer.
Arising from the Minister's visit to Los Angeles last year, where she referred in speeches to section 481 and the importance of its continuation, and given the lead in time for the commissioning of films or movies, has there been any progress? Have any new films been commissioned following the Minister's visit to Los Angeles? What was the outcome of her comments and statements in respect of section 481 and the general expansion of the film industry in Ireland following her visit to Los Angeles?
The visit to Los Angeles was to promote and launch the screen commission which is doing a tremendous amount of work. The commission continued that work at a film festival in Toronto in the past few weeks at which Ireland was well represented and where I had the opportunity to host a lunch for people who seemed very interested in doing business. We will see how that turns out.
That concludes the time allowed for Question No. 8. We must proceed to Question No. 9.
I had a lovely supplementary question, a Cheann Comhairle.
I had further answers.
Time is up.
