Robert Troy
Ceist:116. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that people currently with a free television licence will receive a waiver from the new broadcasting fee. [43003/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 October 2013
Ceisteanna (116, 117)
Robert Troy
Ceist:117. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm her commitment to protect the household benefit package as this package is of critical importance to the recipients. [43006/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The Government finalised its consideration of the Budget having regard to all of its commitments, including the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain welfare rates. The outcome of this process will be announced today.
The household benefits package currently comprises the electricity or gas allowance, the telephone allowance and the free television licence. It is currently available to almost 410,000 customers and my Department will spend an estimated €290 million on the package in 2013.
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has proposed introducing a Public Service Broadcasting Charge to replace the current television licence. This charge is the subject of public consultation at present and its impact on the free television licence scheme will be considered as part of that process.