130. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a tax incentive to support the unscripted television production sector; his views on the merit of introducing such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26756/24]

131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding any draft proposals within his Department for a tax incentive for the unscripted television production sector; the measures he has taken to engage with the European Commission on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26757/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of my Budget 2024 speech, I announced plans for the development of an incentive for the unscripted production sector.

It is intended that this new incentive will complement the long-standing film tax credit, and the tax credit for digital games introduced in 2022, in supporting Ireland’s growing and internationally-recognised audio-visual sector. These are also important cultural reliefs, intended to increase the representation of Irish and European culture in global media content.

Work is being undertaken on the design the measure at this time with a view to introduction in this year's Finance Act. My officials have been engaging with stakeholders, including both public bodies and private sector stakeholders, in order to understand how the industry operates in Ireland and identify the needs of the sector.

In order to introduce the credit, approval will be required from the European Commission as an incentive of this nature is a State aid. Significant work has been undertaken to prepare the information and data required for a notification and the formal process is due to commence shortly. Subject to the approval of the European Commission, it is planned that a cultural test, to be administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, will be a qualifying criteria for the relief, to ensure that public funds are being channelled to projects of cultural merit. This is similar to the qualification process for the existing section 481 tax credit and the tax credit for digital games.