Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
19 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has held any discussions with the Department of Finance on the extension of tax relief to apps, games and other digital content as part of the review of section 481 tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27236/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe whole area of development of the Irish audiovisual industry (including the gaming sector and other digital content) was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital Report — Building Ireland's Audiovisual Creative Economy. The Report was published in July 2011 and an implementation Committee to pursue the execution of its recommendations has been established. One of the recommendations in the Report is the extension of Section 481 until the end of 2020. It is currently approved until the end of 2015. A public consultation process to assist the Department of Finance in examining the operation of the Section 481 Scheme beyond 2015 was announced on 24 May 2012. This consultation process invites interested parties to make submissions on the economic impact assessment of the operation, status and future development of the Section 481 Scheme. My Department is involved in this consultation process.
The Deputy will appreciate that primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is a matter for the Irish Film Board (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations.
