Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
354. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of TV licence inspections carried out in each of the years 2019, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 respectively in tabular form. [10539/24]
View answer355. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of TV licence inspections carried out in each of the months from February 2023 to February 2024 respectively in tabular form [10541/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system. In accordance with Section 145 of the Act, An Post act as the statutory issuing agent for the TV licence fee.
As the issuing 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 the issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise. However, as details on the number of inspections is an operational matter for An Post, my Department does not hold figures on the number of inspections undertaken by An Post.
I would take this opportunity to again highlight not only the statutory obligation to have a TV licence, but the importance of continuing to support a wide range of public service content across many broadcasters not just RTÉ, which TV licence revenues make possible.
