Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1704. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that all householders with a television set are paying the licence fee; if not, the steps he is taking to ensure that the fee is being collected to the maximum potential; the amount of money foregone to the Exchequer from non-payment; and the cost of pursuing non-payment. [26234/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The requirement to have a TV licence and pay the accompanying fee is dependent on possession of a television set, as provided in section 140 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.

In estimating the national evasion rate, my Department takes into account a range of factors including the overall number of occupied houses and liable businesses, the levels of vacant units and the estimated television penetration rate, that is to say the estimated number of homes possessing a television set. Based on currently available information, my Department estimates that the level of evasion is 13.75%. It is estimated that this level of evasion equates to a loss of approximately €40m per annum to public service broadcasting.

An Post administers the collection of the TV licence fee on my behalf. In terms of increasing compliance with the TV licensing requirements, An Post makes every effort to bring evaders into the licensed pool and a considerable amount of time and resources are spent in dealing specifically with this issue. An Post concentrates its initial efforts on getting people to buy the licence when due and by following up with a series of reminder notices and inspector visits. Bringing people to court is a last resort and only carried out where all other means have failed.  It is not possible to separate out the cost of tackling non-compliance from the overall cost of the service provided by An Post.

I am very much aware, however, of the challenges that face the existing TV Licence system, including the current, unacceptable levels of evasion. While the rate has fallen from 15.3% at the end of 2013 to the current rate of 13.75% it is still very high.

In that context, my Department has been working with An Post and RTÉ on an on-going basis so that all steps are being taken to ensure the system is working as effectively as possible. Measures such as marketing campaigns, more evening and weekend inspections and appointment of additional temporary Inspectors are just some of the initiatives that have been utilized to enhance sales and improve compliance rates.

My Department is also currently examining a number of additional actions that might be taken, including legislative measures, with the aim of further strengthening the system.