Dáil Éireann - Volume 647 - 20 February, 2008

Written Answers. - Television Licence Fee.

Deputy Michael Ring Deputy Michael Ring

Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if according to legislation, people who have a television, yet cannot receive any signal from the national broadcaster and are not connected to any satellite provider are still liable for a television licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/08]

Deputy Eamon Ryan Deputy Eamon Ryan

  Deputy Eamon Ryan: The requirement to have a television licence is set out in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988. Under this legislation a licence is required in respect of each location at which a television set is kept.

Section 28(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2001 requires RTÉ to provide a national television and sound broadcasting service free-to-air, insofar as it is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland. This is a function in which the Oireachtas has provided statutory responsibility to RTÉ.

Dáil Éireann 647 Written Answers. Television Licence Fee.

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