Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development of the film industry with reference to the need for its promotion for economic and cultural purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17688/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2018, the Audiovisual Action Plan was launched. This is an industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, developed to support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a five year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. The Audiovisual Action Plan is designed to deliver on the commitment in Pillar 4 to create an industry-wide plan to make Ireland a leader in the audiovisual sector and is intended to drive both increased investment and production across the sector by implementing policy recommendations in 8 key areas. Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a high level Steering Group comprising representatives from a cross section of Government Departments and state agencies.
The cultural, creative and economic potential of Ireland’s audiovisual industry is significant and Government policy has long supported the sector through inter alia the section 481 tax relief, international film co-production treaties and through funding provided to Screen Ireland, which is the development agency for the Irish film industry.
As part of Project Ireland 2040, this Department published ‘Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027’, in 2018 which sets out a commitment of close to €1.2 billion in capital funding for culture and creativity over ten-year period. €200 million of this has been allocated for investment in media production and the audiovisual industry within same the period. This funding, is being delivered through Screen Ireland whose 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 supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. Screen Ireland has a vision for a vibrant, creative and sustainable Irish film, television and animation industry, with diverse voices, talent and opportunities which speaks to and connects Irish film culture with audiences at home and abroad. For 2020, Screen Ireland was allocated an additional €1 million to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increases its annual overall budget to €21 million. In light of the COVID19 crisis, in addition to its normal production and development rounds, Screen Ireland has already allocated €4.5 million in COVID19 support measures for the Irish film and TV industry. Importantly, the measures are directed to the sustainability of the industry with a strong focus on development support. This is intended to ensure companies are well positioned for launch as production recommences. My Department will continue to engage across Government Departments and State Agencies on implementing the Audiovisual Action Plan.
The Government has also committed to bringing forward a National Economic Plan, to be published alongside the Budget in October, which will outline the Government’s plans to support the long-term sustainability of the economy. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - commits to the establishment of a taskforce to develop a clear approach, informed by the views of all stakeholders, including those in the audiovisual industry, to protect and sustain the arts and culture sector through the COVID-19 recovery and beyond. This will be fed into the National Economic Plan. I hope to announce details of the taskforce shortly.
