Written answers

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Broadcasting Charge

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy on the public service broadcasting charge as was committed to under the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I have no plans to replace the current Television Licence fee with a broadcasting charge.  In addition I do not intend to raise the cost of the current licence fee of €160.  

I recognise the important part that public service broadcasters play in our democratic society. The provision of stable and adequate funding is essential to ensuring the continued delivery of their role in this regard. I am very much aware, however, of the challenges that face the existing TV Licence system, including the current unacceptable levels of evasion which is over 13.75% equating to a loss of approximately €40 per annum to public service broadcasting.  

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.

 I am considering proposals for the amendment of the Broadcasting Act 2009 including a legislative amendment to provide for the tendering of licence fee collection.  My Department is liaising with the Office of Government Procurement which has issued a Request for Information to ascertain what the market might be able to deliver in relation to licence fee collection.  The outcome of this process will inform any proposed tender that may be issued once the necessary legislative amendment is in place.  I noted the Deputy’s press release on this subject in recent days and I want to take this opportunity to confirm that if such a tender proceeds it will of course be open to An Post to apply for that tender.  For completion it is my intention that post offices will remain a central point of purchase for the licence fee by householders.

 As the Deputy is aware I have requested the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment to examine the longer term issue of the future funding of public service media.  I look forward to receiving the Committee’s report in due course, which will inform future funding policy for public service broadcasting.

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