Government announce new tax credit for reality TV and gameshows

The tax credit will allow production companies to regain 20% of production costs up to a maximum limit of €15 million per project, and has been approved by the European Commission to run until 31 December 2028.

"This new tax credit is about backing Irish storytellers, producers and crews, while ensuring that Irish and European culture is clearly reflected on screens at home and around the world," said Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan. "By being the first in Europe to introduce a dedicated incentive for unscripted production, we are sending a strong signal that Ireland is open, competitive and ambitious..."

The move aims to incentivise Irish-made productions, as well as attract international investment.

“The Tax Credit for Unscripted Production is a natural addition to this and ensures that Ireland remains an extremely competitive location for audio-visual production now and into the future," said Tánaiste Simon Harris.

The terms of the credit include a requirement that production companies first apply to the Minister for Culture for “interim cultural certification” in advance. In order to be eligible for the credit, the total cost of production must be at least €250,000 and the eligible expenditure must not be less than €125,000.

Popular Irish series that fall under the "unscripted" category include RTÉ's The Traitors and First Dates Ireland.