Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
819. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if persons who are presently exempt from payment of a current TV licence will be exempt from the future public service broadcast charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/13]
View answerThe public consultation on the introduction of the Public Service Broadcasting Charge, which I recently launched and which is ongoing, will inform the decisions taken by Government in relation to the specific application or collection of the Charge, the level of the Charge or who will be liable to pay it. As I have previously stated publicly, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefits Package would continue to apply. That said, however, as the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the Household Benefits Package falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. This includes issues relating to benefits that arise through the Household Benefits Package such as exemptions from the liability to pay the existing TV licence and the consequent right to a free licence.
