Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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255. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is intended that the proposed broadcasting charge will replace the TV licence charge as part of the household benefits package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21376/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Exemptions from the liability to pay the existing TV licence arise by virtue of eligibility for the Household Benefits Package, which automatically gives the right to a free licence. Exemptions from the liability to pay the existing TV licence arise by virtue of eligibility for the Household Benefits Package, which automatically gives the right to a free licence. That said, I would like to emphasise that the proposed charge would replace the existing TV licence system and it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package will continue to apply.