Once again, I welcome the Minister and her official. We will now consider the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 2000, to which there are no amendments.
SECTION 1.
Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 2000: Committee Stage.
Question proposed: "That section 1 stand part of the Bill."
The Bill is very short, but its passage is essential to enable us to expedite a new phase of growth and consolidation in the film sector. Following the report of the film industry strategic review group, the Government has committed itself to a substantial strengthening of the Irish Film Board to ensure it has a central role in co-ordinating the implementation of the strategy recommended in the report.
Deputies will be aware that I have already taken the first step to provide additional resources for the board. I am proposing the allocation, by way of Supplementary Estimate, of a further £1.1 million for the board in the year 2000 — £100,000 for its current needs to enable it to upgrade its sub-office premises and facilities in prospect of a substantial increase in its staffing to enable it to take on a wider range of functions, and £1 million for additional development and production support.
The Bill is now very urgent. A number of projects are awaiting funding from the board which cannot be given until the Bill becomes law. Given its importance to the implementation of the strategy report as well as to the projects due to commence production or development, I appreciate the Deputies' support in expediting its passage into law.
When we discussed the Estimates yesterday, I asked the Minister what is the level of repayment of loans. She indicated that she hoped it would reach 25%. What is the current figure?
The current figure is 13%.
Thank you.
I am pleased to hear the Minister has given a commitment to strengthen the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill and I hope there will be more developments in this area.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 2 agreed to.
Title agreed.