Irish film industry welcomes extension to tax scheme

The improvement to Ireland’s Section 481 tax incentive scheme announced in last week’s budget — extending it to apply to non-EU talent working in Ireland and moving forward the promised increase in its value to 2015 — has been broadly welcomed across the industry.

Acknowledging the growth in the industry, finance minister Michael Noonan described the sector as “job rich” with a “knock-on boost” to the tourism sector. Irish Film Board chief executive James Hickey said the new measures would bring Ireland into line with the UK and continue to attract foreign film investment in Ireland.

“The enhancement of the Irish tax incentive for the film and television industry demonstrates the commitment of the government to the future of the film, television and animation sector and Ireland’s creative industries.”