The Irish government has amended its tax incentive for the film, TV and animation industries so that non-EU talent is now included as eligible expenditure.

The extension, subject to state aid approval, will bring Ireland’s Section 481 tax break in line with the UK’s same policy.

Earlier this year the Irish government extended its incentive to 2020, increased its value to 32% and introduced a new tax credit system from 2016.

However, in its latest budget the government announced that those changes will be brought forward to 2015.

According to the Irish Film Board production activity across the film, TV and animation industry in Ireland in 2012 was valued at over €180m in terms of expenditure on local goods and services. This represents an increase of approximately 30% on 2011 figures.

In 2012, the Irish Film Board invested in 30 film and TV projects which led to €118m being raised in foreign direct investment by Irish producers on IFB funded projects.

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