‘People are paying enough’ - Irish Netflix users could be hit by extra charge

Irish users of streaming services such as Netflix could be hit by an extra charge in the near future.

On Wednesday, the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee published a report recommending that the Government press ahead with plans to introduce a levy on streaming services.

The proposed levy, which would be collected by media regulator Comisiún na Meán, would be used to fund independent productions in Ireland.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Wednesday, Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne outlined the reasons for the proposed introduction of the levy.

Deputy Byrne said: “In order to be able to fund film, television and animation series, you have to have the initial resources and while some of that is coming from areas like Screen Ireland and so on, there is a need for more to do it.

“People will be aware that when we invest in film, television and animation, it creates a very positive image of Ireland.

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“There’s a return in terms of jobs, but there’s also cultural tourism. You think of The Banshees of Inisherin, where it attracted people to come to Ireland on foot of the film and there are many other examples as well.

“I would make the argument that I think people want to see quality Irish productions; they want to see Irish stories.”

Deputy Byrne pointed out that the levy has already been introduced in 17 other EU member states and they have all seen an increase in the number of films being produced in their respective countries.

He also outlined the cost of this levy, which is expected to be around 20 to 30 cent per month on an individual’s subscription.

The Joint Oireachtas Media Committee believes that this would raise over €20 million a year for Coimisiún na Meán.

However, Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan does not believe such a levy is necessary.

“People are paying enough,” for entertainment, Minister O’Donovan said, adding that people who can afford to pay for streaming “are doing so by choice”.

“I don’t see why I would impose a levy on top of those people, considering it would inevitably wind up being raised and raised substantially,” he added.

While Fine Gael members of the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee voted against the levy, Fianna Fáil members joined their Sinn Féin and Green Party colleagues in voting in favour of the extra charge.

Such a decision is said to be a source of frustration to Minister O’Donovan. However, Coimisiún na Meán insists that it will require the minister’s approval to sign off on any such scheme.