Speech by President Michael D. Higgins as he receives the 'Outstanding Contribution to Irish Film & Television' Award at the IFTA Ceremony Doubletree Hotel, Dublin

Saturday, 5th April, 2014

Is mór an onóir dom é agus tá mé fíor-bhuíoch as a bheith roghnaithe don ghradam seo, agus tuigim go bhfuil mé ag leanúint i lorg roinnt faighteoirí a bfuil meas mór orthu.

Following, as I know, in the footsteps of some very illustrious former recipients, I am honoured, and I thank the Irish Film and Television Academy for this prestigious award from a community and an industry for which I have both respect and affection.

Twenty years ago, as Minster for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, I was pleased to have the opportunity of implementing the proposals of an excellent working group on film and thus in a very short time, with the assistance of many, some of whom are here tonight, we were able to set about, among other initiatives, refunding An Board Scannáin – The Irish Film Board, creating opportunities for independent production, and the founding of TG4. The film and television community, which had shown commitment and extraordinary creativity to survive during harder times, were given a chance to flourish, and what a great body of original and inventive Irish work has emerged, work that has created, and continues to create, highly skilled and satisfying opportunities and has done so while achieving internationally recognized excellence.

We in Ireland are now much more than a favoured location for international films. Long renowned for our beautiful landscape, we are now also recognized as valuable and highly skilled production partners. This evening, I salute, as I thank the Irish Film and Television Academy, an industry and a community which continues to be innovative, inspiring, and artistically courageous, and Sabina and I are grateful for all of the friendships we have found within it.

The Irish Film and Television Industry has a crucial role to play in establishing and securing the role of culture and the arts in society. It is a critical partner in the creation of a truly effective cultural space - one that is accessible to all citizens, recognising creativity as the practical and spiritual heart of society.

I treasure the long and positive association with this industry. My interest and support will always be there. It has been a great pleasure for me to have come to know so many of you over the years as friends. And it is a further great pleasure for me as President to hear of each new success for the film industry in Ireland. Long may that success continue!

Go n-éirí go geal libh 's go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.


Link to previous article: IFTA Honorary Award for President Higgins