Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person cannot obtain a Saorview signal to their analogue television do they still have to pay the television licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56559/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The requirement for a TV licence is set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. This Act requires everyone who possesses a TV capable of receiving TV signals to have a TV licence.

In this regard those who possess a TV in Ireland must have a TV licence regardless of whether they are using the TV to receive SAORVIEW, or not.

It is worth noting that TV licence holders in Ireland are not required to use SAORVIEW and indeed about 80% of TV households use a pay TV service or access the Free to air UK satellite channels.