Ardmore Studios ownership
Deputy John Brady sought clarity on the State’s 32% stake in Ardmore Studios and whether it would be retained. The Ceann Comhairle queried relevance, but the Taoiseach said the State had already supported the film sector substantially and would not intervene between the relevant Ministers.
Last December, the Taoiseach launched the Creative Ireland programme, a five-year Government initiative. One reason for this was to develop Ireland as a global hub for film and television production and to further enhance our global reputation in this regard.
If the Taoiseach is genuine about this, will he clarify the State's position regarding the 32% shareholding in Ardmore Studios? There are conflicting reports coming back from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys. The former has said the State will not sell its 32% shareholding in the film studio while in a communication just before Christmas, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs stated she will review the sale of the shareholding.
Comment on this
It is. There is a commitment in the programme for Government around TV and film production and core to that is Ardmore Studios, of which the State has a 32% shareholding.
Will the Taoiseach clarify whether the State will continue its involvement in Ardmore Studios, or, as the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has alluded to, will it review its ownership of the shares? The staff in Ardmore Studios and the people of Wicklow need clarity on this.
Comment on this
The State has done quite a lot in respect of making provisions for the film world. Over the years, Ireland has had a great reputation in this regard. The State has changed the capping levels for tax purposes in so far as that is concerned. A school of graphic design has been established and moves are under way to acquire extensive building capacity that can be insulated whereby movies can be shot inside these facilities. I visited Ardmore Studios several years ago.
I am not prepared to intervene between the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys. I will, however, get a clear statement from either one or the other or from both for the Deputy so he will fully aware of the situation pertaining to the 32% shareholding.