Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1169. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of persons who have evaded paying their television licence between 2015 and 2017 and to date in 2018; his plans to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15543/18]
View answerIn estimating the national evasion rate, my Department takes into account a range of factors including the overall number of occupied houses and liable businesses, the levels of vacant units and the estimated television penetration rate, that is to say the estimated number of homes possessing a television set. Based on currently available information, my Department estimates that the current level of evasion is 14.6%. This equates to a loss of €40m per annum to public service broadcasting.
To address this issue, my Department has been working with An Post and RTÉ on an on-going basis to ensure that the TV licence collection system is working as effectively as possible. Measures such as marketing campaigns, more evening and weekend inspection and appointment of additional temporary inspectors are just some of the initiatives that have been utilised to enhance sales and improve compliance rates.
While these measures are important steps, I believe that the current system needs to be reformed. As the Deputy will be aware, I obtained Government approval last year to draft a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2009, including amendments for the tendering of TV Licence fee collection. The proposed amendments were considered under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment and I received their report on 8 March. My officials are considering the contents of this report and it is also being considered by Parliamentary Counsel in the drafting process.
