Controversial Netflix tax on streamers is recommended by the committee, according to the statement
The Joint Oireachtas Media Committee has published a report recommending the introduction of a content levy on streaming services like Netflix. The proposed levy, known as the "Netflix levy," would raise an estimated €20 million annually and funds from it would be ringfenced for independent productions and Irish language programming.
The report, which contains 85 recommendations based on submissions from stakeholders including broadcasters, trade unions, domestic streaming services, and the commercial television production sector, has been met with mixed reactions.
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee, has stated that he would vote with the Coalition even if the "Netflix levy" is not contained in the final draft of the legislation. He believes that additional funding sources are necessary to support the independent production sector.
On the other hand, Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan and Minister for Media Patrick O'Donovan have expressed their opposition to the levy. Mr Brennan stated that it is "wrong" to introduce it "in the middle of a cost of living crisis," while Minister O'Donovan acknowledges that streaming companies take huge sums of money out of Ireland but does not support its introduction.
If a minister declines to accept a recommendation from Coimisiún na Méan (CnaM), the media regulator that supports the introduction of the levy, they should prepare and present a report to the Dáil outlining their rationale.
CnaM has processed over 2,800 complaints since February 2024, with 30% of them related to digital services. CnaM digital services commissioner John Evans stated that the days of platform self-regulation are over and that the media regulator will take enforcement action against non-compliant platforms.
In the coming weeks, CnaM will meet online platforms to assess their readiness for dealing with election-related issues, in advance of the presidential election. Representatives from CnaM reported to the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs that the European Digital Services Act has triggered some "behavioural changes" from the platforms it regulates.
The committee recommends that the minister introduce the levy in the Coalition's Broadcasting Amendment (Amendment) Bill. The identity of the government party that supported the proposal for a tax on streaming services like Netflix in Ireland, as recommended by CnaM, is not identified in the provided search results.
The report comes at a time when streaming services have gained significant popularity in Ireland, with Netflix boasting over 2 million subscribers in the country. The proposed levy aims to support the domestic production sector and promote Irish language programming, which has been struggling in recent years due to a lack of funding.
In conclusion, the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee's report recommends the introduction of a content levy on streaming services like Netflix, with the aim of supporting the independent production sector and Irish language programming. The proposal has received mixed reactions, with some members of the committee expressing support while others have expressed opposition. The government party that supported the proposal remains unidentified. The issue "deserves serious consideration," according to committee chairman Alan Kelly.
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