Ivana Bacik (Independent)

As stated, I am aware of the case to which the Senator refers.

Senators Walsh, Clune, Ó Clochartaigh, McSharry, Healy Eames, Mullins and Harte sought a debate on the household broadcasting charge with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte. The Minister has indicated that he is contemplating the introduction of such a charge. A number of Senators referred to this as a new or additional charge but the Minister made it clear that it will not be a new charge. The household broadcasting charge will replace the existing TV licence fee and could be less than it. On "Morning Ireland" earlier, the Minister referred to the €25 million in revenue that is lost each year as a result of people not paying the TV licence fee. He also referred to the fact that, as a number of Senators indicated,