asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of persons who in the last twelve months were required to complete declarations under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio and Television Licences.
17.
During the year ending 31st March, 1965, statutory declaration forms under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926 were issued to 71,419 persons.
18.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why the holder of a radio licence (details supplied) has had his private dwelling inspected on two occasions in the past eight months and has now been asked to complete a Declaration under Section 7 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926; whether the inspecting officers reported the result of their inspections to the Department; and if he will state the cost of such inspections, reports and correspondence.
Due to the rapid growth in the number of television sets and the delay on many people's part in the purchase of a combined licence, it is customary for inspecting officers to carry out routine visits to houses where an ordinary radio licence is held.
The licensee concerned changed his address comparatively recently. Within the past eight months inspecting officers called once to his former address and once to his present address and they made reports in the normal way.
Following expiry of his licence the licensee purchased a renewal licence for his new address on 26th February, 1965. Unfortunately, the previous address was not recorded on the counterpart of the new licence at the time of purchase. It was accordingly assumed that the licence had not been renewed, and a declaration form was issued in the normal way to the old address.
As the inspections etc. were carried out in conjunction with other wireless work, it is not possible to give the actual costs.
Is the Minister aware that the inspectors were informed of the change of address, that the inspectors gave an assurance that the change of address would be recorded in the Department? In the circumstances does the Minister not think that an apology is due to the person concerned for being harassed in this unnecessary way, as the information had been twice given to the Department?
I am not aware that the change of address was conveyed to the inspectors but I shall check up on that again. I can assure the Deputy that the person concerned was dealt with in the usual way and there was no question whatever of victimisation. The change of address did not reach the appropriate section of my Department and for that reason the normal procedure was followed in sending out the declaration form.