Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the new broadcasting charge will be covered under the household benefits package in the same way that the TV licence currently is; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12728/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The household benefits package comprises the electricity/gas allowance, the telephone allowance and the free television licence. In 2013, my Department will spend an estimated €284 million on this scheme, providing some 410,000 customers with a package worth almost €700 per year. The estimated expenditure on the television licence element of the household benefits package for 2013 is €59 million.

The introduction of a household broadcasting charge in place of the current television licence funding regime is being considered by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Officials from my Department are liaising with that Department with regard to this issue. No decisions have been made at this time in relation to the household benefits package.