1553. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he will introduce a European works levy on streaming platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59267/26]

Article 13(2) of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive ('AVMSD') provides that Member States may require media service providers (i.e. providers of broadcasting and video on demand services) under their jurisdiction to make a financial contribution to the production of European works.

To exercise this option under the AVMSD, section 159E of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended) provides that the independent media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, may impose a content production levy on media service providers to fund a scheme (termed ‘the European works scheme’) to support the production of European works, including Irish works. Any such scheme funded from the levy receipts would require Ministerial approval.

Coimisiún na Meán appointed consultants Nordicity & Saffrey LLP to undertake research and make recommendations in relation to the feasibility of an audiovisual content levy and fund. Stakeholders were consulted. The report was received by my Department in January 2025 and published by Coimisiún na Meán in May 2025. It can be accessed here: www.cnam.ie/read-the-feasibility-study-on-the-audiovisual-content-levy/

I consider that the introduction of a content levy risks placing an additional financial burden on Irish households already experiencing cost-of-living pressures, particularly in the context of recent international developments. It is for that reason the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill includes an added layer of protection for the Irish consumer by providing that Coimisiún na Meán may only impose a content production levy on broadcasters and video-on-demand providers following a direction of the Minister. I have no intention of issuing such a direction until I am satisfied that a content levy would not impose an undue burden on Irish households.

I fundamentally believe in supporting the Irish independent production sector, as is reflected by the many ongoing supports provided to the sector through grant funding from Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision Scheme, as well as the Section 481 film tax relief.

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill provides that RTÉ will be required to spend at least 25% of its public funding on content commissioned from the independent production sector. RTÉ and TG4 will also be excluded from receiving direct public funding from the Media Fund, in order to ensure that all funds go to independent producers and commercial media outlets.

I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the independent production sector continues to be appropriately supported in the longer term.