Television licence fee evaders are to face significantly heavier fines but will get a last chance to avoid court, under planned new laws unveiled today.
The measures drawn up in the Broadcasting Bill will see a new carrot and stick approach by the Government to force viewers into paying up for State broadcaster RTE.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan announced that fines will soar from €635 for a first offence to €1,000 and from €1,270 for a second offence to €2,000.
Minister Eamon Ryan
The massive hike will be the first time in 20 years the penalties have been upped with the rises coming in at less than the rate of inflation since 1988, according to the Government.
Licence fee evaders are to be encouraged into complying with the law with a newly-proposed fixed penalty that will allow offenders to escape court proceedings.
After a final warning, individuals will be given the opportunity to pay a €53 fine - one third of the licence fee - and buy a permit within the following three weeks.
“This measure is designed to increase compliance, avoid unnecessary court appearances and reduce the workload of the courts,” said Mr Ryan.
“In this way, the vast majority of people who pay their television licence will not have the burden of paying for others.”
There will also be an overhaul of the licence fee regime for commercial premises under the planned legislation which is expected to be made law later this year.
My overall aim is to dispel a negative view surrounding TV licensing in Ireland - Minister Eamon Ryan
Under the present system, a small bed and breakfast with a few television sets pays the same as a large hotel with 100 sets, while a small pub with one set pays the same as a huge bar with several large screens.
A new graded system, in line with other European countries, will see licence fees for business owners based on their circumstances.
The planned changes were revealed today at the launch of a new website - www.tvlicence.ie- developed by An Post which allows television owners to buy their permits online.
“My overall aim is to dispel a negative view surrounding TV licensing in Ireland,” said Mr Ryan. “Television licensing is necessary for the maintenance and development of quality public service broadcasting.
These changes make it easier for the individual to buy a licence, allow people to avoid the courts while ensuring significant fines for persistent evasion. “I am confident this is the right approach which will result in greater compliance at less cost to the State.”
The Broadcasting Bill, which carries plans for a wider revamp of television and radio services in Ireland, is to be published on May 14th.
Presently 95 per cent of the licence fee goes to RTE with 5 per cent given to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland for its Sound and Vision funding.
PA