Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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327. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the proposed communications licence will be covered under the household benefits package when it replaces the television licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20323/13]

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. No decisions have been made at this time in relation to the household benefits package.