Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2016
211. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources how he spent the revenue raised from the television licence in 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10725/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTV licence revenues are distributed in accordance with Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, principally to both RTÉ and TG4 in order to facilitate the pursuit of their public service objectives, which are also set out in the 2009 Act. An Post pays the Department all TV licence revenues collected from sales. The Department of Social Protection pays an agreed sum in respect of 'free' TV licences issued by that Department; this sum is currently set at €52 million per annum.
From these gross receipts, the Department pays An Post commission in respect of the TV licence activities An Post undertakes in its role as the Minister’s collection agent. In addition, 7% of the total revenue net of An Post’s commission is paid to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for the operation of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme, which provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. Revenue from this fund can be applied for by independent producers and broadcasters for specific projects of a public service nature. TG4 also receives an amount of the TV licence revenues and this is currently set at €9.245m per annum. All remaining revenues are paid to RTÉ.
The table shows the position for 2015.
|
2015 €M |
|
|
Total receipts |
214 |
|
An Post |
11.6 |
|
Broadcasting Fund |
14.6 |
|
Tg4 |
9.25 |
|
RTÉ |
178.5 |
