Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 16: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of revenue collected from television licences in 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount or revenue for uncollected TV licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24058/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In relation to the first part of the question, an amount of just over €224 million was collected in 2008 in respect of television licences revenue. This was made up of just over €168 million in respect of direct sales by An Post, €53.7 million paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the issuing of 'Free Lifetime' television licences and an additional €1.9 million for payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of an outstanding issue from 2004 when a new system for calculating monthly payments came into being. As of 31st May of this year, approximately €91 million has been received by my Department in respect of television licence fee revenue.

The Deputy has also asked for the amount of revenue associated with uncollected TV licences. By its very nature, monies uncollected are very difficult to estimate.

My Department monitors the level of sales achieved by An Post and the volumes of sales can indicate the compliance, or otherwise, in this area. To date in 2009, the level of sales is running more or less on a par with last year. In the meantime, An Post is endeavouring to reduce the TV licence fee evasion rate on an ongoing basis. I would also point out to the Deputy that my Department, in negotiating the annual target of sales to be reached by An Post, factors in a 1% increase in the overall licence base as a means of reducing the level of evasion.