asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, further to a reply of 20th February in regard to the payment of television and radio licences by instalments, he is aware that private hire purchase companies who include the price of the licence in rental or hire purchase price of the television set are charging interest on the television licence, with the result that members of the public who pay for licences by this method are in fact paying £4 18s. Od. per annum for their licences instead of £4; and whether it is permissible to charge interest on a television licence fee in this way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television and Radio Licences.
49.
I learned recently that some members of the public obtain their licences on credit terms through different companies in the same way as they pay various types of domestic accounts. I see no reason why the facility should not be available for payment of television and radio licences and I have, of course, no power to control the charges made for the services provided.
Has it been brought to the Minister's notice that in one of the principal streets in Dublin a firm is giving out television licences and charging £4 18s. Od.? Is that legal?
There are other companies anxious to do this, and they are making no charge.
Is it legal?
I told the Deputy, in reply to the question, that I see no reason why the facility should not be available.
Mr. Ryan
Is this not a form of moneylending? A firm which does this should be required to take out a moneylender's licence.
Is it legal to charge £4 18s. Od. for a £4 television licence?
I have no idea what they are charging.
Will the Minister make inquiries? He will find the information is correct. TV Rentals in Dawson Street are doing it.