An Taoiseach Micheal Martin has pledged three months free Netflix for every household in the country.
The announcement comes with no end in sight to the strictest lockdown in Europe, and hospitality not due to re-open until mid-summer.
“We need to stay focused and get through these next few months,” said Martin. “That’s why, we’re going to distract you from our complete lack of planning with three months free Netflix.
You can’t travel more than 5km from your home, or do anything much at all, but at least you’ll be able to enjoy quality programming like The Queen’s Gambit, or my personal favourite, The Crown.”
The government will be purchasing an additional 200 subscriptions, and has asked Netflix for special dispensation for 10,000 profiles to be added to each.
“Soon it’ll be streaming vaccines and entertainment for all, but mainly entertainment,” concluded Martin.
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. The opposition has criticised the government for the lack of alternative streaming options.
“This is AstraZeneca all over again, with not enough to go around,” said a Sinn Fein spokesperson. “Supplementary Disney+ subscriptions should be made available, especially for high risk groups like Wandavision fans.”
RTE has reacted to the news by requesting a 50% hike in the license fee.