On the day that his RTÉ2 show The Savage Eye was named Best Comedy at the Celtic Media Festival, David McSavage appeared in court for failing to pay his TV licence, saying he had taken a stand against what he described as RTÉ's "awful output" of comedy.
Prior to Friday's court appearance McSavage, whose real name is David Andrews, had previously stated he wouldn't pay the licence fee and would "have no problem doing a night or two in Mountjoy" in protest at the lack of quality comedy on RTÉ television.
But following his trip to the Dublin District Court, he told journalists: "It is one thing saying it, another thing doing it." He also stated that he did not understand what happened during the proceedings.
A TV licence inspector told the court that he had visited the entertainer's Dublin home on May 7 last. McSavage confirmed to him that he lived there and was in possession of a television set but had no licence.
It then transpired that a licence had been acquired for the property on March 31, but had outstanding arrears of €115.
"The reason I didn't pay it is I have genuine concerns as to the use RTÉ makes of taxpayers' money," McSavage told the court. "I have expressed these concerns in other forums and I've been advised to pay the fine."
Judge John O'Neill adjourned the case until June 16 and told him that if the arrears were paid by then he will not have to attend the hearing and the case will be struck out.
McSavage made four series of his comedy sketch show The Savage Eye for RTÉ. The show was noted for its outlandish characters and biting satire on Irish life. Broadcaster Joe Duffy was strongly critical over a long-running sketch where he was lampooned and portrayed as a masochist complete with bondage gear.
Outside the court, McSavage read from a handwritten statement, and reiterated his point about RTÉ's use of taxpayers' money and added that, "If a plumber provided as poor a service as RTÉ, they would go out of business. It makes no sense to pay people money who are bad at their jobs; it does neither of you any good."
"RTÉ needs to stop embarrassing us with their awful output, it needs to reform, modernise and work hard before it can justify the high cost of the TV licence."
McSavage's handwritten statement
Responding to McSavage, RTÉ congratulated him and the Savage Eye team on their win at the Celtic Media Festival in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
"We love David and we love his work," RTÉ said in a statement, describing the Dubliner as a maverick and comedy genius.
"We are very proud of all four series of the Savage Eye and we know David is too," the statement continued.
It pointed out the range of RTÉ's comedy output and how "hugely subjective" comedy in particular, and television programming in general, is.
RTÉ also highlighted the importance of the licence fee in bringing comedy to viewers and supporting "Irish writers, producers, comedians and actors".
"We'd like to congratulate David on his latest award and we look forward to working with David in the future," the statement concluded.
