Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2018
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to encourage internationally the use of Ireland as a film location with obvious beneficial economic implications and particular difficulties encountered in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish film, television and animation industry is experiencing a period of sustained success and critical acclaim. Over the last number of years, Irish talent has been a consistent presence at the Academy Awards, with Nora Twomey’s debut animated feature, The Breadwinner, leading the Irish charge at the most recent ceremony alongside other nominations for Irish talent including Saoirse Ronan, Consolata Boyle, Martin McDonagh and Daniel Day-Lewis. The industry’s current flourishing is the result of years of investment in Irish creative filmmaking talent by Screen Ireland (formerly the Irish Film Board).
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland.
Screen Ireland promotes the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. In addition it highlights the Irish screen industry at major international markets and festivals and promotes inward investment. Screen Ireland liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. In Budget 2018, I allocated an increase of €1.55 million or 9.3% to Screen Ireland to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increased Screen Ireland's its annual budget to €18 million. Last month, the Government’s capital investment plan Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 provides for funding of €200m to be invested in media production and audio visual industries through Screen Ireland over the next 10 years which will have a positive impact right across the country.
The other primary mechanism through which the Government supports the film industry is Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the film tax relief scheme - which provides tax relief of 32% on expenditure in Ireland by qualifying film projects.
