Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a more affordable system of television licensing would be put in place for operators of multiple self-catering units for the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35749/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In response to concerns such as those outlined by the Deputy, my Department initiated a review on 30 June this year, which sought to consider the possible introduction of different classes of Television Licence, as provided for under Section 144 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. While this was primarily an internal exercise seeking to evaluate the feasibility and cost benefits of such a step, the Department also sought the views of certain key stakeholder groups as a means of informing our consideration of this issue.

Following this exercise I have decided not to pursue the introduction of different categories of licence at this stage but rather to deal with the issues arising in the context of a wider review currently underway. This wider review, which includes a comprehensive examination of both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model of television licence fee, is being undertaken on foot of the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a household based Public Broadcasting Charge.

The review, which will include a period of consultation, will examine the role and collection of the current TV Licence Fee, in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies, and will include an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency, capability to fund our public service broadcasting service and also equity of applicability. The ultimate objective will be to transform the current TV licence into a Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content. I look forward to all stakeholders and interested parties engaging with the proposed consultation at the appropriate time.