Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
397. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount owed in respect of television licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46047/12]
View answerIn 2011, evasion was estimated to be over 15%, and thus costing upwards of €25 million. My Department is currently examining the latest projections for 2012 with a view to providing a revised estimate of evasion. While this work has yet to be completed, it is my understanding, however, that it is unlikely to show any decrease in what is already an unacceptably high level of TV licence evasion. In tackling this problem, every effort is made by An Post to bring evaders into the licensed pool and a considerable amount of its time and resources are spent in dealing with evasion.
As a first step, An Post concentrate their efforts on getting people to buy the licence when due. A series of reminder notices are sent out urging people to pay their TV Licence. Payment has been made easier with the introduction over the last couple of years of a dedicated website (www.tvlicence.ie), 24 hour automated call centre (1890-228528) and the option to pay by direct debit instalments. In addition, the older traditional methods of payment at the counter in a post office and with the TV licence stamps remain available.
Every effort is taken to identify unlicensed premises, from people whose licence has lapsed to people who have moved premises. This is done by a number of measures including additional reminders, inspector visits and eventually by court summons. The general public is currently being informed through advertisement that regardless of the digital switchover on October 24th 2012, there is a legal obligation to hold a TV licence. The digital switchover does not change this statutory fact.
