The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) says it is planning to engage with Apple TV and other providers over ratings of streamed content.

It follows an agreement between Netflix and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) in the United Kingdom.

Back in March, the BBFC announced it was to rate content on the streaming platform.

These ratings are also appearing for Irish users.

The British body said: "Netflix and the BBFC will work together to make sure Netflix's classification process produces ratings which are consistent with the BBFC's classification guidelines for the UK."

The IFCO said it has "no legal remit on non physical product" in Ireland, following a request from Newstalk over whether plans were in place for the IFCO to rate content for Irish audiences.

The new Netflix rating system, compiled by the BBFC, is appearing for Irish audiences | Source: BBFC

However Ger Connolly, the director of film classification, said: "I do intend to engage with Apple TV and other providers to examine if there is a mechanism to cooperate for the benefit of ROI residents."

Research in the UK has revealed that almost 80% of parents were concerned about children seeing inappropriate content on video on demand or online games platforms.

The research also showed that 90% of parents believe that it is important to display age ratings when downloading or streaming a film online, and 92% think it is important for video on demand platforms to show the same type of age ratings they would expect at the cinema or on DVD and Blu-ray.

Apple TV+ is offering Irish customers a seven-day trial, after which it will cost €4.99 a month.

The service also has original Apple content such as 'The Morning Show', starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.

It has also announced a tie-up with entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey for 'Oprah's Book Club'.

The exclusive series will see the TV host sit down with authors and "build a vibrant, global book club that has the power to both transport and transform people".