Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
216. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total number of prosecutions for not having a TV licence in the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7229/24]
View answerPart 9 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system.
As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post, who make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise. While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort.
Details of prosecutions are not under my remit and my Department does not hold the requested figures. Timing of court hearings and details of prosecutions and sentencing are a matter for the Courts Service. However, I can provide details on the number of summons issued by An Post and the number of cases brought to court in the past four years, which are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Summons Issued |
Cases Brought to Court |
|
2020 |
9,555 |
4,581 |
|
2021 |
7,7507 |
4,328 |
|
2022 |
14,915 |
9,610 |
|
2023 (to 30th November) |
13,137 |
8,612 |
* 2023 figures up to 30th November inclusive, final figures for 2023 are not yet available.
The figures provided for 2020 and 2021 reflect reduced operational activities due to the impact of necessary public health restrictions.
It is to be noted that not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year.
Possession of a valid TV licence is not only a legal obligation, it also provides vital funding to enable the provision of high quality public service content to Irish audiences. It is important to note that in addition to providing funding to RTÉ, TV licences receipts also enable funding to a wider range of broadcasters including local commercial radio through the Sound and Vision scheme, as well as providing significant support for the independent production sector.
