A so-called 'Netflix levy' on streaming services would be a good thing for Irish viewers, according to producer Larry Bass.
It comes amid a proposal that streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ should be made pay a new levy to help fund independent Irish productions.
An Oireachtas committee has made the recommendation in a new report, pointing to similar levies now in place in other European states.
Larry Bass, CEO of the ShinAwiL production company, told Newstalk Breakfast he'd welcome such a levy - saying it should cover "any content provider providing content into Ireland".
He said some EU countries have already introduced such a levy, while countries like France have specified a mandatory investment.
The rules in place in France mean streaming services must spend at least 20-25% of the money raised in France to finance European and French TV shows and films.
Larry explained: “Not only do the US companies have to spend some of their hard-earned, French people’s licence fees making content in France.
“It forces these companies to be a real corporate citizen - not only do they collect revenue here, but they spend revenue here.”
Larry suggested Europe has already seen a “boom in production” due to such EU rules - and he now wants to see more of that production money spent here in Ireland.
While some have raised concerns such a levy would ultimately be passed on to consumers, Larry argued that the Irish public is already paying for this as providers have accounted for levies in their current subscription prices.
He said: “Netflix and all the other providers must buy content - to buy that content, they’ve got to spend their money. Currently, they do not need to spend that money in Ireland.
“Why shouldn’t Irish consumers see some content that’s shot here, tells Irish stories, and is generating some income for the Irish Exchequer? It’s a good thing for the Irish viewers.”
