Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan has today announced the seven names that will make up the new board for Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board for the next four years.

RTÉ's stalwart sports presenter Bil O'Herlihy is Chairman designate, a position set to be confirmed by the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Joining him will be documentarian Maurice Sweeney, Dun Laoghaire IADT President Annie Doona, animator John Rice, actor Kate O'Toole, cinematographer Seamus Deesey and producer Katie Holly.

Read more on each of their backgrounds here.

The IFB is the national development agency for the Irish film industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise.

Deeniha commented: "I am delighted that these seven very talented individuals have accepted my invitation to become members of the board of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board. They are joining Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board at a very important time for Ireland's film and audiovisual sector.

"Supporting and creating employment - across all sectors - is a priority for this Government. The film and audiovisual sector is playing its part, and it is vital that we grow the contribution that this sector can make to Ireland's ongoing recovery.

"Under the Chairmanship of Bill O'Herlihy, and together with the experienced staff in Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, I believe that the new board can be a catalyst to help the agency grow and develop and to nurture the next generation of audiovisual talent in Ireland."

Having come to the end of his decade as Chair, James Morris recently spoke to Hot Press. Click here to read the wide-ranging interview.