Stalling on Streaming Levy Fails Irish Creators – O’Donoghue
Stalling on Streaming Levy Fails Irish Creators – O’Donoghue - The Labour Party
Labour arts, media and culture spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue TD has criticised Government’s decision to delay a levy on streaming services like Netflix, warning it risks undermining support for Irish content.
Deputy O’Donoghue said:
“Let’s be honest, these changes to broadcasting law are about avoiding conflict with US tech giants, not protecting consumers.
“A content levy could generate up to €20 million a year to fund Irish-made films, TV, and digital media. That’s money that should be going straight back into Irish culture, jobs, and storytelling.
“Under the revised Broadcasting Bill, any levy on streaming services now requires ministerial sign-off. Minister O’Donovan has indicated he won’t proceed unless convinced it won’t raise prices—effectively shelving the plan. Government says it’s delaying the move to protect consumers from higher costs, but the reality is this means less investment in Irish content, fewer opportunities for creators, and continued advantage for global streaming giants.
“At the same time, Government has excluded RTÉ and TG4 from applying to the new Media Fund. Our public service broadcasters are key to our cultural identity and they’re being shut out of support they badly need to innovate and reach new audiences.
“Labour supports a content levy, with proper safeguards to protect consumers. Minister O’Donovan must engage in urgent dialogue with Coimisiún na Meán, content creators, and public broadcasters to ensure media policy supports both the public and the sector.
“We need a future-facing approach—one that invests in Irish creativity, supports public service broadcasting, and doesn’t shy away from holding major streaming platforms to account.”