Minister hits back at film industry comments

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O’Donoghue has hit back at comments from Fine Gael’s Jimmy Deenihan on the Government’s lack of support for the Irish film industry.

"The Government has demonstrated its support of the Irish film industry in the most positive way by extending the section 481 tax incentive for investment in film production to 2008, with the amount that can be raised rising to €15m from 2005,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

“In addition, the Irish Film Board, which is funded by my department and whose funding was increased by 9% in 2004, provides a comprehensive range of supports to the industry."

“I am aware of concerns in the film industry about the competitive implications of, for example, wage differentials between Ireland and

competing jurisdictions.

“However, these are challenges that must be addressed by the industry itself.”