Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports that RTE may be charged for the TV licence fee waiver currently in place for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The issue of "free television licences" under the Household Benefits Package is a matter in the first place for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The present position is that the Department of Social and Family Affairs compensates my Department for the cost of any "free licences" which it grants under the Household Benefits package. My Department then transfers a proportion of total net television licence fee receipts to RTÉ. Any change in this position would require Government approval.