Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
272. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if action will be taken regarding the submission by various men’s sheds groups seeking an exemption to paying the TV licence fee; if this can be considered in the context of the relatively low funds available to these groups and the role they play in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50716/23]
View answerThe TV licence funds a broad range of public service content, enabling essential news and current affairs programming, as well as supporting the creation of a high quality content on culture, sport, entertainment, music and more. It supports content created and broadcast by many independent producers on a range of national and local broadcasters, not only RTÉ. As such it remains critically important that people continue to pay the TV Licence fee. It is not only required by law, it underpins availability of public service content which is of critical importance to our democracy and society.
The statutory obligation to possess a TV Licence is set out in Section 142 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The Act also provides that the Minister may, by Order, provide for exemptions. However, at present no person, category of person, or group are exempt from this obligation. Under the Department of Social Protection Household Benefits scheme, qualifying applicants do receive a ‘free’ TV Licence, in respect of which the Exchequer makes a contribution to the overall revenue pool. This is not, however, an exemption from the legal requirement that possession of a television set requires a TV Licence.
As the Deputy will be aware, discussions are continuing with regard to the reform of the TV licence system, so that a more sustainable long-term funding model for public service media can be put in place. However, at this stage is not possible to comment on the detail of this, including what the basis for liability will be, or what exemptions, if any, may be provided for.
I fully support the work of the Irish Men's Sheds Association in providing supportive environments that bring people together and help them learn new skills. I also applaud the IMSA’s commitment to helping Women’s Sheds to build a similar organisation. The IMSA contributes enormously to local communities through recreational and civic activities, including in my own constituency through the excellent work of Balinteer, Glencullen, and Sandyford Men’s Shed.
Government is very supportive of the work of the IMSA. In June 2023 Minister Naughton announced funding of €250k to help provide for a National Shed Support and Information Line, and for the creation of County Network Forums for Sheds so that they could learn from each other and share knowledge.
