Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
510. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the European Court of Justice that upheld the ability of the German Government to make a household media charge non-device dependent; if this ruling has been discussed by the television licence fee reform working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/19]
View answerThe Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting is currently deliberating a number of options for the reform of the TV Licence Fee and its collection. It is due to report to me by the end of March. I am aware that the ruling referred to has confirmed that there are no state aid implications for the broadcasting contribution introduced by Germany in 2013 to replace the previous device dependent broadcasting fee. The Court found that the new levy did not lead to a substantial increase in the compensation received by the public broadcasters to cover the costs associated with the public service tasks entrusted to them.
