Irish TV tax break gets green light from Europe
RTÉ could be a major beneficiary of the €211m scheme, with The Late Late Show among the programmes that should qualify.
The commission examined the plan, announced by minister Jack Chambers in last year's Budget, under EU state-aid rules. The aim is to promote the production of unscripted audiovisual programmes with either Irish or European cultural content.
The measure will be introduced for a four-year period, backdated to last December and running until December 31, 2028.
The aid is in the form of a tax credit of up to 20pc of the production expenditure that happens in Ireland. The maximum support cannot cover more than 16pc of the total cost of production.
To be eligible, a programme must have a minimum cost of €250,000, with half of that being spent in Ireland. A 'cultural test', which will be designed by the Government, will be used to ensure that the unscripted productions 'contribute meaningfully to the promotion and expression of Irish or European culture'.
Anthony Muldoon, director of strategic policy at Screen Producers Ireland (SPI), said the tax incentive is a 'transformative' investment for Ireland's creative industry. 'It will empower our producers and creators to develop and produce high-quality programmes that resonate with both domestic and international audiences,' he said.
Members of SPI had joined together to campaign for the tax credit, forming an Unscripted Working Group, and had co-operated with the Department of Finance and Revenue, as well as with the Department of Arts and Media.
Stuart Switzer, chair of the Unscripted Working Group, said he was thrilled that the European Commission had decided to approve the aid package. 'This is a first in Europe, and a recognition that the creative unscripted sector in Ireland has the potential to emulate the success of our scripted colleagues,' he said.
'The challenge will be to ensure the benefits of the incentive are retained within the independent production sector to build companies of scale.'
According to an analysis included in the Tax Strategy Group papers last year, spending on unscripted TV productions could increase from about €90m a year to €300m if a tax credit was introduced. It referred to two similar schemes in Europe, operated by Malta and Cyprus.
"If introduced, such a relief could have the potential to support additional employment in the sector and increase demand for studio space,' the report said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
33 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
A late Wexford publican, musical mentor, and gifted artist among those honoured at annual Rosslare Civic Awards
The first of these was the late Murt McGarry of Kilmore Quay. Although he passed away in 2006 at the age of 45, Murt's work as an artist is still remembered and celebrated across the county. His nascent talent first became apparent when he won the national Texaco Art competition while still a schoolboy and he was later commissioned by Wexford County Council to do the drawings at the National Heritage Park and create the artist's impression of the council's new waterfront development in New Ross. Murt was a keen tin whistle and bodhrán player and attended the Fleadh Cheoil every year. He spent six years researching and illustrating his book on Irish history, Strangers at Home, which his father Liam later published posthumously. Paying tribute to Murt, Councillor Jim Codd, the cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD), said, 'Murt was self-taught and had a natural talent, and he had a great love of history, heritage and nature and culture.' Another beloved member of the community who has since passed was honoured next. The late John Sammy Sinnott of Duncormick, who passed in 2022 at the age of 92, was described by Cllr Codd as more than just a publican, but 'a counsellor, someone who was always there if you needed help'. 'He valued us as a people, he knew our ancestors, our ways, everybody was welcomed and cared for under his thatched roof,' continued Cllr Codd. 'Sinnott's was an institution, a men's shed before the term became popular, it was there people went to get the news in older times. And Sammy was the keeper of our oral history; people came from all over to immerse themselves in the rich culture of south Wexford, and no less than the Rolling Stones manager, Chesney Milligan, once served behind the bar.' Mick Berry accepted the award on behalf of the Sinnott family. The late Dick Lambert, who passed away in 2008, was then honoured for his 'outstanding contribution to culture and heritage'. He was the author of three books chronicling the history of Rathangan, books which Wexford County Council is now preparing to have reprinted for a new audience. The tidy towns committee in Carrig-on-Bannow was next to receive a civic award for its work in 'developing its local community' and 'enhancing the environment' in south Wexford. Commending the group for the strides it has taken in promoting biodiversity and sustainability in the area, Cllr Codd noted how inclusive the tidy towns committee is and how it has 'rejuvenated' the village and 'fostered a culture of tidiness'. 'The group ensures the village always looks its best all year-round, and also it is blessed to have two wonderful employment scheme members who are dedicated and motivated in their work,' he added. Established in 1974, Corach Ramblers are now based in Duncormick and boast some of the finest facilities in the county. However, the club had some nomadic years before finally settling in its current home. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'They initially played their home matches in Wellingtonbridge, with local publican John Ryan providing a pitch, he also sponsored the team with a new football,' recounted Cllr Codd. That ball remains in the possession of the club and is joined by committee members who have been there since the outset, including Jimmy McWhitty and Willie Wallace. Those two men were heavily involved in the fundraiser in 1998 which led to the club purchasing five acres of land in Duncormick four years later where it established its new home. "There have been a lot very good people involved in the club over the years, but Willie Wallace, Breda Walsh, Toddy and Clodagh Barry, all of whom have given many years working with the club, should get a special mention,' said Cllr Codd. 'Corach Ramblers now has a huge membership with teams competing in underage and adult leagues; it's a hub of activity and a place where lifelong friendships are made.' The last recipient on the night was Áine Kennedy who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the RMD. A familiar face to all those with even a passing interest in traditional Irish music, Áine became director of the Danescastle Music Group following the retirement of Ms Martha Torpey and now works with over 200 children as they take the first steps towards Fleadh Cheoils and Scór na nÓgs of the future. 'We are so lucky to have the most dedicated director in all of the land,' said Cllr Codd. 'Áine always gives 100 per cent to the children of Carrig on Bannow and surrounding areas that come to learn music in Danescastle. She prepares them for various competitions and events around the county and country and when the group is asked to play at different events, Áine is the person that sends the texts, organises who is going, and generally ends up bringing half the children in her own car." Áine is also chairperson of Wexford Scór and secretary of Leinster Scór Secretary, she is also a member of the Rackard League Committee and combines all these voluntary roles with her full-time job as principal of Danescastle National School "She is an extraordinary principal and gives so much of her time to the children of our parish,' said Cllr Codd. 'We are truly blessed to have Aine as a dedicated principal and musical director.'
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Alcohol consumption by Irish adults falls by almost 5% in a year
The level of alcohol consumption by Irish adults has fallen by almost 5% in the last year. The latest data has been described as consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. A new report by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3%) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3% increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was the Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%). Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. "Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know - Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium," he said. "In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase. "This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. "Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. "This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops. "Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance. "A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product." "Digi will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year's budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival." The Digi report was compiled by Prof Foley, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland faces 'day of reckoning' over Ukraine support, Russian ambassador warns
Ireland will face 'a day of reckoning' for supporting Ukraine the Russian Ambassador warned. Yury Filatov also accused the government of complicity in Ukraine's 'barbaric terrorist acts'. His remarks posted on X are likely to renew calls for him to be kicked out of the country. He stated: 'Those in the West who support [the] Zelensky regime are de-facto accomplices in these terrorist crimes and should be called out as such. 'The European governments, including Ireland, who had been applauding Zelensky and Co., supplying them with money and weapons and spreading Kiev's propaganda, share responsibility for the regime's actions. 'They should be aware the day of reckoning will come.' As recently as last February Filatov told The Star Ireland has nothing to fear from Russia. But it now appears that has all changed. Despite Russia invading its neighbour, the diplomat claimed Ukraine started the war. Filatov added: 'It became clear long ago the Kiev authorities have never shunned violence and terrorist methods. 'First in their war against the people of Donetsk and Lugansk in 2014-2022 and then against the entire population of Russia, including targeted bombings and political assassinations. 'It has become a trademark of the cabal which usurped power in Ukraine in 2014. 'Yet, in recent days they outdid even themselves by staging direct attacks on the ordinary people in the Bryansk and Kursk regions of Russia. 'On May 31, Ukrainian saboteurs had blown up a bridge on the A240 highway, directly above the civilian train that went from the city of Klimov to Moscow, instantly killing 7 civilians and severely injuring more than 118. 'Among the victims of this terrorist attack were eight children, with 2 deceased, and a pregnant doctor who worked in a hospice in Bryanks, who died there. 'Same night at 3:00 there has been another bridge explosion, this time in Kursk region, which resulted in a freight train derailment and injuries of the train driver and his assistants. 'Reaction from the West? None – no condemnations, no sympathy.' In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: 'Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was an act of unprovoked and unjustified aggression and has resulted in countless deaths and untold suffering. 'Ireland and its EU partners have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for Ukraine, as it exercises its legitimate right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter. 'We strongly condemn Russia's bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, and join Ukraine, the EU and partners in calling for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. 'It is for Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment towards peace by halting its brutal attacks and implementing the proposed ceasefire, without conditions. It can do so at any time.'
