Dáil Éireann - Volume 241 - 17 July, 1969

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio and TV Licence Investigations.

Mr. Clinton Mr. Clinton

147. Mr. Clinton asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will explain the procedure in investigating whether people have radio and television licences.

Mr. Lalor Mr. Lalor

966

Mr. Lalor: My Department maintains records of all licences issued and in the great majority of cases it is possible to establish by reference to [966] these records whether any particular person holds a current licence. Where difficulties arise owing to changed addresses, or where a person takes out a licence on behalf of someone else, or it is suspected that an unlicensed set is held, the matter is followed up by correspondence through the post and, if necessary, by personal visits.

Mr. Ryan Mr. Ryan

Mr. Ryan: Would the Minister consider it reasonable that, where an inspector called at a house and the householder admitted to having a transmitter and to having no licence, the inspector refused to accept the admission and insisted on invading the house against the wishes of that person? Will the Minister say if that is the usual procedure?

Mr. Lalor Mr. Lalor

Mr. Lalor: I should not like to think it was usual.

Mr. Ryan Mr. Ryan

Mr. Ryan: My information is that it has occurred in one instance and I am glad the Minister would not approve of that.

Mr. Lalor Mr. Lalor

Mr. Lalor: No. I am glad the Deputy does hear about such things. I heard about it only in one case.

Mr. Ryan Mr. Ryan

Mr. Ryan: I take it there are others.

Dáil Éireann 241 Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. Radio and TV Licence Investigations.

Questions

19690717