Screen Producers Irelandreceivespositive messagefrom the Labour Party in responseto our 'Message to Candidates' campaign. See below received by SPI CEO Barbara Galavan from Cllr Carrie Smyth, Labour Party.
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Dear Barbara,
Thank you for contacting me about this important issue.
We will ensure adequate funding for public service broadcasting and implement measures to support Ireland’s vibrant commercial broadcasters. In government, Labour has moved to protect media diversity by enhancing the regulation of media mergers.
My colleague Minister Alex White has already begun the discussion on reforming the television licence and we will replace the TV licence with a public service broadcasting charge (PSBC) and will intensify efforts to combat evasion so that everyone pays a fair and affordable share. This will both place the national broadcaster on a more secure long-term financial footing, and support commercial broadcasters by allowing for the abolition of the Broadcasting Levy.
As I am sure you will be aware the Film Board has received additional funding of €500,000 in 2016. The allocation to the Film Board in 2016 is almost €14.5m, which shows an increase of 3.6% from last year.
This increased investment will help to maximise the benefits brought about by the Government’s enhancement of the Section 481 film tax credit system, including the decision to increase the cap for eligible expenditure on film projects to €70 million, as announced as part of Budget 2016.
Labour believes that arts and culture are an intrinsic part of society and we will increase funding for the arts and heritage by €150m, including doubling the funding for the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board.
Kind Regards
Carrie
Cllr Carrie Smyth
Councillor Killiney-Shankill Local Electoral Area
General Election Candidate for the Dun Laoghaire Constituency
086 3835051