Ireland seriously considering Games Tax Relief

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK videogames industry, today responded to the news that the Irish Government is seriously
considering introducing a tax break for the video games industry. The Irish Culture minister, Jimmy Deenihan, speaking in the Irish Parliament
described the sector as ”an enormous global industry with great potential and
benefit for job creation”[1].

This development comes in the light of the
comment from the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and
Sport, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, that Games Tax Relief in the UK is
‘constantly under review’ (March 2011).

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, stated:

“The
Irish Government could be the next in a growing list of Governments around the
world supporting the video games industry through a tax relief. This news
should encourage the UK Coalition Government to review the case for a tax break
for the UK games industry. The video game development sector provides high
skilled employment in a high technology, export oriented industry. TIGA will
continue to advance the case for a tax break for games production to ensure
that the UK remains a leading player in video game development.””

-Ends-

_{Notes to editors:}

_{About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry.The
majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house
publisher owned developers.We also have games publishers, outsourcing
companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA
was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’
at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been
named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National
Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding
Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’. TIGA is an Investors in People
organisation.}

_{TIGA’s vision is to
make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on
three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage
and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members.
This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of
power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a
material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and
improved commercial opportunities.}

_{For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on
07875939643: or email richard.wilson@tiga.org;
or contact David Hodges on 02070911653}

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