Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of television licence fines that were issued by An Post in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62206/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Under Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, An Post act as the issuing agent in respect of television licences. As issuing agent, An Post may bring and prosecute summary proceedings for failure to have a television licence when required, which is an offence under section 148 of the Act.

Every effort is made to bring licence fee evaders into the licensed pool with first and second reminder notifications issued by An Post under section 149 of the Act. Prosecution is a last resort.

The imposition of fines is a matter for the relevant Court and questions regarding the number of fines imposed is a matter for the Courts Service. Neither my Department nor An Post hold data on fines issued by the Courts.