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Television Licence Fee Collection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Ceisteanna (1022)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

1022. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent on campaign and enforcement costs as they relate to the purchase and renewal of television licences in each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12814/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Broadcasting Act, 2009, An Post is the designated agent for the collection of the Television Licence fee. In line with the Act, An Post is charged with the issuing of these licences and also with the enforcement of the current licence fee regime. An Post makes every effort to bring evaders into the licensed pool. An Post concentrates its initial efforts on getting people to buy the licence when due and by following up with a series of reminder notices and inspector visits. Bringing people to court is a last resort and only carried out where all other means have failed.

In addition my Department works with An Post and RTÉ on an on-going basis to ensure that the TV licence collection system is working as effectively as possible. Measures such as marketing campaigns, more evening and weekend inspection and appointment of additional temporary inspectors are just some of the initiatives that have been utilised to enhance sales and improve compliance rates. An Post and RTÉ share marketing costs.

An Post pays my Department all TV licence monies collected from sales and my Department pays An Post commission on an incentivised sliding scale in respect of the TV licence activities undertaken in its role as collection agent, which amounted to €11.8m in 2017. An Post meets all operational costs including any campaign and enforcement costs from the commission monies paid to them and my Department does not hold a breakdown of same.

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