James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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22. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of licence fees paid to date in 2023; how does that compare year on year with 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45802/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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TV Licence sales from 1st January to 16th October 2023, were 642,860. In the corresponding period in 2022, a total of 731,772 were sold. There is a reduction of 88,912 between both periods. While this is a decline of 12% on a year to date basis, it represents a decline of 31% from 1st July to 16th October.

This represents an estimated decline of €14.2 million in revenues which support not only RTÉ but also the Broadcasting Fund which in turn supports the Sound and Vision Scheme, and is very important to the independent production sector.

As RTÉ receives 93% of net revenue from TV Licence sales, its income from this source is estimated to have declined by €12.6 million to date. It is further estimated that the loss of income to RTÉ to year end will be up to €21m.

The restoration of sustainable and secure funding for public service broadcasting is a priority for Government.

Appendix 1 – TV Licence Sales and Revenue Jan-Sept 2023//22

Appendix 2 - YOY Monthly TV Licence Sales 2023/22