asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the fact that many persons who hold wireless sets find it impossible to use such sets owing to their inability to purchase batteries, and whether in view of the fact that the wireless sets are thus rendered useless to their owners he will arrange to waive the claim for the payment of wireless licence fees in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Battery Wireless Sets.
I am aware that difficulties are being experienced by holders of wireless sets operated by batteries. Payment of the licence fee is, however, a statutory obligation in all cases in which wireless apparatus is held, whether workable or not. I would urge all holders of wireless sets which are not workable to arrange to store them for the present. I am considering whether the circumstances are such as to justify an amendment of the relative legislation, although this would, I fear, lead to serious loss of broadcasting revenue as well as to administrative difficulties. The problem is not an easy one to solve, but I can assure the Deputy that it is under very careful consideration and I am open to consider suggestions as to how the difficulties can be overcome.
Is the Minister aware that when it was made a statutory obligation on a person who had a wireless apparatus to hold a licence fee, batteries were available for the possessors of such apparatus, but they are not now available? I suggest it is nothing short of a racket to continue to demand a fee from persons who cannot get batteries for their wireless sets. Will the Minister not consider remitting the licence fee in any case in which it is certified by a member of the Gárda Síochána that the wireless set cannot be operated by reason of the absence of the battery? Is that not an easy course to adopt—one that is easy of implementation?
There is a certain quantity of batteries available and we are considering what can be done in the matter. If people could arrange to store them, they should do so—that is the simplest way out of it.
Would there be any difficulty in getting members of the Gárda Síochána to inspect wireless sets and certify that certain sets cannot be operated because there is no battery to operate them? Where is the difficulty in doing that, and then waiving the claim for a licence fee?
Will the Minister be careful that he does not do anything that might cause a panic?
We shall leave that to the Deputy.
May I take it that in the meantime the Minister's Department will not press for the payment of the licence fee until he has the matter examined?
We shall consider that.