Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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58. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering a digital gaming sector tax credit similar to section 481, tax credit for film, television and animation; and if so, if he will ensure that the receipt of the tax credit will be based on a signed agreement from the recipient on the provision on quality employment which by definition would focus on eliminating low pay in the sector, providing secure contracts of direct employment, giving proper pension provision and supporting employer engagement with trade unions. [27025/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The responsibility for tax policy lies with my colleague the Minister for Finance. In his Budget speech in October 2020, Minister Donohoe announced his intention to commence work on developing a tax credit for the digital gaming sector with a view to supporting qualifying activity from January 2022 onwards. The ultimate design of the tax credit, the expenditures which will qualify for the credit and any other qualifying requirements will be determined by Minister Donohoe and announced in due course.

It is also worthwhile to note that the introduction of such an incentive was advocated by Olsberg in their review of the Irish Audio Visual Sector in 2018, where they commented that Ireland produces a large number of high-quality games graduates, who arrive into an industry insufficiently large to provide them with employment.

By introducing a credit aimed at expanding our digital games development sector, we are aiming to create high value, long term, sustainable jobs which will allow our graduates to remain in Ireland and further develop our footprint in one of the fastest growing industries globally.