Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 6

Written Answers. - Television Licence Fees.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

13 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if, in view of the comments made in the recent Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General regarding the cost of the collection of television licence fees and the level of evasion, which he said was higher than most European countries, she has any plans to improve collection procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

My Department will be discussing the Report of the Controller and Auditor General with An Post, with a view to identifying ways to reduce collection costs. A significant factor in the cost of collection is the relatively high evasion rate; which necessitates visits to homes and a relatively large number of prosecutions.

Our European neighbours appear to be more conscientious in abiding by the law and paying licence fees on time.