O’Donoghue accuses government of siding with Netflix over Irish artists

Labour arts, media and culture spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue TD has criticised the government’s decision to delay a levy on streaming services like Netflix, warning it risks undermining support for Irish content.

The Dublin Fingal West TD said “let’s be honest, these changes to broadcasting law are about avoiding conflict with US tech giants, not protecting consumers.”

The Labour TD noted that a content levy on tech giants such as Netflix, Amazon and Apple 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,” he said.

However, the new Broadcasting Bill requires the Minister for The Arts to sign off on it, and Minsiter Patrick O’Donovan has indicated he is not looking to sign off on it at the present time.

“The 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,” he said.

“At the same time, the 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.”

As for what Labour plans to do, the Fingal TD said “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.”