Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
65. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the estimated revenue that would be generated by introducing a levy of 3% on audiovisual media service providers as provided for under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, and if her Department discussed such a provision with Coimisiún na Meán in the last 12 months. [4475/24]
View answerArticle 13(2) of the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive ('AVMSD') provides that Member States may require media service providers 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 Coimisiún na Meán may impose a content production levy on media service providers (i.e. providers of broadcasting and video on demand services) to fund a scheme (termed ‘the European works scheme’) to support the production of European works, including Irish works.
Coimisiún na Meán have engaged consultants to conduct research and make recommendations in relation to the feasibility of an audiovisual content levy and fund. It is expected that this research will include estimates of the potential revenue that may be generated from the imposition of such a levy, along with an analysis of the consequences associated with the levy, including the impact on Irish broadcasters who may be liable for the levy.
The outcomes of the research, including the associated recommendations, will help inform An Coimisiún’s considerations regarding the potential for the development and structure of any new content levy and fund and their subsequent submission to me on the practicality of any such content levy and fund. It is expected that the research will be submitted to me later this year.
My officials continue to engage with Coimisiún na Meán on an ongoing basis in relation to this and other matters within their remit.
