Licence Fee
FAQs
Do I need a TV licence?
Every
household, business or institution that has a television
set (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 2009)
must by law be in possession of a current TV licence.
What
if I don't have a TV licence?
In
Ireland, around 99% of households have a television. An
Post is responsible for maintaining a database containing
records of every premises which should have a TV licence.
This database is regularly updated to include new buildings.
If you do not have a current TV licence, expect a visit
from a TV licence inspector. If an unlicensed set is found, a prosecution will follow which could result in a fine of ¤1,000 for a first offence or ¤2,000 for a second or subsequent offence. An Post collects TV Licence
fees on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Energy
and Natural Resources.
How
much does a TV licence cost?
The TV Licence costs €160 The Black and White licence has been abolished.
What
about inflation?
In
announcing the Government approval of an increased TV Licence
Fee, December 2002, Minister Dermot Ahern stated: "RTÉ will
be able to seek annual increases up to the level of the
Consumer Price Index (CPI). All future licence fee changes
will be subject to the strict monitoring of performance
against financial, management and programming targets."
How
can I purchase a TV licence?
- A TV licence can be purchased online at www.tvlicence.ie
- By phoning Lo-Call 1890 228 528 (24 hr service) and giving
your Laser, MasterCard or Visa Card details.
- By direct debit from your bank current account. With direct debit you have the option
of making an annual payment, bi-annual, quarterly or monthly
payments.
- From any post office by cash, cheque or TV Savings Stamps or by Laser card at 1,000 post offices across the country.
- At participating Post Point outlets
- By Post, cheques to:
An Post Licence Services Division
5th Floor O'Connell Chambers
1-2 Upper O'Connell Street
Dublin 1
Click
on the links below for direct debit forms:
Bank Account Form >>>
Irish Bank Account Form >>>
You can purchase a TV licence on-line at any time at www.tvlicence.ie. >>>
What
if I move house?
Let An Post know your new address so that your TV licence can be transferred. Alternatively you can update your details yourself online at www.tvlicence.ie. If your address is not that which appears on the licence then you are deemed to be unlicensed and may be liable for prosecution.
What
if I have a second home or holiday home?
If
you have a second home or holiday home with a television
set then you need a separate TV licence for that address.
Am
I entitled to a free TV licence?
You
may qualify for a free TV licence from the Department of
Social and Family Affairs.
Click on this link for further information on Household Benefits and the Free Television Licence: http://www.welfare.ie/foi/hbp.html
For
a pdf version of the information booklet for Household Benefits
click here: http://www.welfare.ie/publications/sw107.pdf
What
is the licence fee used for?
The greater proportion of RTÉ's activities are public service activities but the cost of providing these services is well in excess of the amount of public funding received in the form of Licence Fee revenue. As a result RTÉ is critically reliant on a Dual Public / Commercial funding model and must engage in ancillary commercial activities aimed at generating commercial revenues to bridge the gap in public funding received.
The accompanying pie-chart shows the attribution of Licence Fee revenues, received by RTÉ during 2008, to some of the public service activities carried out. The table following separately sets out a representation of how the proportion of each Licence Fee received was utilised during 2008 as RTÉ neither receives, nor is entitled to the benefit of, all of the Licence Fee monies collected.
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NOTE: RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ Publishing (RTÉ Aertel, rte.ie, RTÉ Guide) did not receive any public funding.
To read the RTÉ Application for Licence Fee Increase to
the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, click here >>