Irish government pledges film industry support

John O'Donoghue, Irish Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, has announced a 9% boost in funding for the Irish Film Board, and promised increased government support for Irish filmmakers.
Minister O'Donoghue said: "Film is also a crucial element of our cultural expression and it is vital that we continue to provide the support that enables Irish films to be made by Irish filmmakers.
"The Irish Film Board is at the heart of the government's strategy to promote indigenous Irish films and filmmakers and the funding being provided for the Board in 2004 is solid evidence of this fact.
"There has been much debate and concern of late about the need to attract international productions to Ireland, and indeed this is very important. However, it is also essential to keep sight of the fact that our promotion of film is not just about economics.
"Film is a crucial element of our cultural expression, one that allows us to explore and comment on ourselves and others as nothing else really can. It is therefore vital that we continue to provide the support that enables Irish films to be made by Irish filmmakers, films that reflect Irish life and culture and give others a unique insight into what makes us tick."
(GB)