Screen Producers Ireland welcomes publication of the Feasibility Study of a European Works Levy in Ireland

Dublin, 08 May 2025 – Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) has today welcomed the publication of the Feasibility Study of a European Works Levy in Ireland by Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM), undertaken by Nordicity and Saffery LLP. The report clearly affirms the value and necessity of a content levy to support Ireland’s independent production sector.

SPI notes that the study’s findings and recommendations underline the critical need for action. The first recommendation states unequivocally that “Ireland should implement a European Works levy, in accordance with the OSMR Act, at the earliest possible date” (p. 44). It shows the potential of a levy at rates between 2% and 5%.

Commenting on the report, Susan Kirby, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland, said: “A content levy is essential to sustaining Ireland’s independent production sector, which supports 15,000 full-time jobs across the country. We currently lag behind16 European countries who already benefit from such AVMSD financial obligations, while Irish consumers are paying some of the highest subscription fees in Europe. This imbalance needs to change. We welcome the report expressing that consumer rate increases have not necessarily been a direct response to the imposition of AVMSD financial obligations. The report emphasizes that the purpose of the levy is to directly support the domestic, creative production industry. It includes robust recommendations around monitoring, data collection, and market impact reviews to ensure the levy is fair, proportionate, and flexible in its implementation.”

SPI also acknowledges that the report notes that while global MSPs naturally oppose levies, they in turn acknowledge that financial obligations are a reality in some EU countries, as nearly half have implemented AVMSD-related fees. This includes the four biggest media markets in Europe – France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Kirby added: “We are in a unique position to make this work for Irish creativity, culture, and jobs. We will now take the time to fully review the report and look forward to engaging with Minister O’Donovan, Coimisiún na Meán, and Screen Ireland in the near future.”