As the Broadcasting Bill concluded Committee Stage today, Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced that he will increase funding for the Sound and Vision programme by 2% on the previous allocation. One of the primary amendments made to the Bill, this increase will bring total investment in Ireland’s independent television production to almost €15.5 million in 2009.
The Sound and Vision programme, delivered by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, offers funding to independent television producers for various genres of programming including documentaries, children’s programming and film-production. Previous projects which received funding from the fund include the films Kings, Garage and 32A, as well as children’s television series Aifric.
Commenting today, Minister Ryan said “The independent production sector is an important creative source as well as a significant employer and as Communications Minister, I am committed to helping it further develop.’
This increase in the Sound and Vision fund from 5 to 7% combined with the increase in the RTE statutory independent production spend to €40 m from €32 m a year gives some certainty to this sector in a tougher economic climate.”
I welcome the contribution and support of all parties in the development of the Broadcasting Bill. I am confident that today’s amendment on Sound and Vision funding will bring significant benefits next year for the independent sector and I look forward to seeing what I am sure will be very impressive results.”
ENDS
Notes:
The allocation has increased from €11 million to €15.5 million
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Department of Communications, Energy &
Natural Resources
T: 6782441
E.mail: press.office@dcenr.gov.ie