Irish stars join Taoiseach at film celebration in Los Angeles

A number of Irish film stars, including Ruth Negga, Allen Leech, Aisling Bea, and Jared Harris met within Los Angeles' Beverly Wilshire Hotel to celebrate Ireland's contribution to the film industry.  The stars were also joined by Taoiseach Leo Vradkar, who was already there on a two-day trade mission to expand Ireland's TV and film industries. The event was hosted by Screen Ireland, a film development agency based in Galway.

Addressing the attendees, the Taoiseach announced his goal of doubling Ireland's audiovisual sector. What comes with that is also plans to increase employment and production activity. Vradkar was quoted saying that, "The Irish Government has an open ear to the requests of the sector for creative ways in which we can assist. For example, through the amendment to the Taxes Consolidation Act," and that he wants Ireland to be a 'centre of excellence' in the audiovisual sector.