Vol. 528 No. 3
20 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the success and progress of the Screen Commission of Ireland; the number of people now employed directly or indirectly in film and television production here; the incentives for the use of Irish locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29911/00]
The Screen Commission is under the aegis of the Irish Film Board and I do not have any statutory functions regarding its ongoing operations.
The incentives for the use of Irish locations include the section 481 tax scheme, which the Government extended for a five year period with effect from April 2000, and the Irish Film Board production loans scheme. I am pleased that I was able to increase funding this year for the film board by £1.1 million in the current year by way of Supplementary Estimate. The provision for the board in 2001 will be £8.75 million, more than twice the provision in 1997. The production infrastructure here has been strengthened and the skills-base expanded, facilitating international production here. Ireland of course offers a wide variety of spectacular, diverse and accessible locations along with highly qualified film crews, and excellent post-production facilities and services.
