Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Television Licence Fee.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

148 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that there is a full rate of collection of the television licence fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25628/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 153 together.

I received a formal outline application on 5 October 2000 from RTE for an increase in the television licence fee. On 31 October 2000, I received documentation in support of the application.

The application will receive careful examination in my Department and my proposals will be brought to Government in due course. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to my answer earlier today to a priority question on this matter.

Television licences may be purchased at any of An Post's nationwide network of post offices. An Post estimate the level of evasion to be 10.5% at present. It should be pointed out that not every country calculates the level of evasion in the same manner and superficial comparisons with other countries can be misleading. An Post is also considering additional methods of pursuing evaders and more flexible payment methods.