Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if according to legislation, people who have a television, yet cannot receive any signal from the national broadcaster and are not connected to any satellite provider are still liable for a television licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The requirement to have a television licence is set out in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988. Under this legislation a licence is required in respect of each location at which a television set is kept.

Section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2001 requires RTÉ to provide a national television and sound broadcasting service free-to-air, insofar as it is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland. This is a function in which the Oireachtas has provided statutory responsibility to RTÉ.