Dick Spring
Question:338 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to amend the requirements for schools to hold television licences. [6171/00]
Written Answers. - Television Licences.
Legislation governing the purchase of television licences is, in fact, a matter that comes within the remit of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
Under existing legislation, there is no distinction made between television sets used as monitors for videos and those used to receive television programmes. Any provision to exempt schools from the requirement to purchase television licences would require a change in legis lation. I understand that there are no plans at present to introduce such an amendment.
The cost of purchasing television licences forms part of the normal running costs of schools, which are covered under the scheme of capitation grants. However, I should also point out that my Department does operate a scheme whereby schools that are in designated areas of disadvantage have the cost of their television licences refunded to them.