A Department of Communications working group has concluded that a household broadcasting charge to replace the TV licence fee “is a viable model’’, the Dáil has been told.
Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte told the House this afternoon that technological change meant fewer people were watching on traditional TV sets, with young people using other devices to access broadcasting.
“The current funding model is not sustainable in the long run,” said Mr Rabbitte.
Replying to Fianna Fáil deputy leader Eamon Ó Cuív, the Minister said the charge would not affect anybody currently paying the licence fee.
About 15 per cent of consumers were not paying the fee, which was costing RTE some €25 million in lost revenue annually.
Mr Rabbitte first revealed he was considering replacing the licence with a household charge in the Dáil last year.
