Speech

Speech by John O'Donoghue,
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism
in Savoy Cinema to mark premiere of film Tara Road
on Thursday 29^th September 2005.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is a great pleasure to be here this evening at the premiere of Tara Road. This special occasion is very important in that it is supporting the vital work being carried out by the Jack and Jill Foundation, which provides help for very ill babies and for their parents, and that alone is more than enough reason to be here. It also, of course, marks another successful landmark in the story of Irish film.

Maeve Binchy's genius as a storyteller, observer and interpreter of human nature is captured in the essence of this project. Noel Pearson needs no introduction or affirmation - he is already well renowned as a filmmaker of the very highest calibre. In partnership with his UK co-producers, he had the vision and determination to bring this project to fruition. The development of such a highly entertaining cinematic experience requires a multitude of skills to reach the screen, including of course, the talents of the screenwriters and distributors. This project also has a world class cast, including Andie Mc Dowell, Olivia Williams, Ian Glen, and our own home-grown stars, including Stephen Rea, Brenda Fricker, Bronagh Gallagher, and Maria Doyle Kennedy. The involvement of such a wide variety of talented people will surely ensure the success of this film. Indeed, Tara Road has already been nominated for Best Irish Film for the 2005 Irish Film and Television Awards and I extend my best wishes in that regard.

The Irish Film Board and the Government's Section 481 tax incentive scheme have contributed significantly to the development of this project. I am acutely aware that Irish producers and all of those seeking to attract international productions to Ireland are facing intensified competitive pressures. Unfavourable exchange rates, enhanced incentives elsewhere and low-cost competition from new jurisdictions are all contributing to a more complicated environment. In conjunction with the Irish Film Board, I will continue to monitor and re-evaluate our position and the measures needed to respond to changing conditions. What is certain is that in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment such as the film sector, the only way to succeed is to stay alert, stay responsive, and compete with the best.

One quite simple, but very important, initiative is already being implemented. At my suggestion, and with my support, the Irish Film Board will be appointing a Deputy Film Commissioner, based in Los Angeles, to liaise with the major studios there and to effectively link these studios with the services and supports available in Ireland. This is an extremely significant initiative that can greatly increase the way our message is communicated and can ultimately bring more film to Ireland, bring new outlets for our professionals and raise our profile in a very major way.

Irish filmmakers are continuing to produce fine work. Tara Road, Neil Jordan's Breakfast on Pluto, Billy O'Brien's Isolation and Perry Ogden's Pavee Lacken are excellent recent examples. The Government and the Irish film Board can help in this environment, but ultimately it all depends on talent. It is the talent, creativity and imagination of our professionals that gives me real confidence for the future.

Thank you very much.

(ENDS)