Thomas Gould
Question:289. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the criteria under which a person requires a television licence; and the way they can claim an exemption. [6681/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 February 2022
Questions (289)
Written answers
The requirement to possess a TV Licence is set out in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. The Act defines a television set as “any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services". Under the legislation, if a person owns a television set in Ireland, they must have a current television licence for that set.
In accordance with Section 142(3) of the Act, provision can be made, by order, for exemptions to the requirement to hold a TV licence for particular equipment. The Television Licence (Exemption of Classes of Television Set) Order, S.I. No. 319/2009 provides for an exemption for portable devices with a display size of not more than 160cm2 capable of exhibiting television services, for example mobile phones or personal digital assistants, and other devices, such as personal computers or laptops, capable of accessing the Internet and television-like services streamed via websites.
An Post as the issuing agent for TV licences may, when carrying out inspections, require any person to complete a statutory declaration detailing whether the person does or does not keep or has or has not in his or her possession a television set.
The only category exempt from payment of the licence fee are those who qualify for ‘free licences’ under the Department of Social Protection's Household Benefits Scheme.