The requirement to have a television licence is set out in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988. Under this legislation a licence is required in respect of each location at which a television set is kept.
I have recently submitted proposals for new broadcasting legislation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of holding a public consultation on the proposals under the eConsultation initiative. These proposals include proposed amendments to the statutory basis for the television licence regime.
I propose to introduce a Broadcasting Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas in 2007 in the light of the outcome of the consultation process.