Seamus Brennan
Ceist:50 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will provide for a reduced TV licence fee for viewers who are registered as deaf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8223/95]
Written Answers. - TV Licence Fee.
The current statutory regime under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988, places a universal requirement on all persons in possession of a television set to hold a current television licence. The revenue generated from the sale of television licences is paid, net of collection costs, to RTE for the general purposes of broadcasting.
I am of the view that any financial assistance scheme for the disabled, no matter how well merited, should not be operated at the expense of funds available for broadcasting. Any such scheme would be more appropriate as part of the social welfare code.