Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of prosecutions for non-payment of the TV licence in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the total cost of prosecuting cases in each of those years, in tabular form. [27714/24]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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170. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the average cost of prosecuting a case for the non-payment of the television licence. [27715/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system.

As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post, who make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise. While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort.

Details of prosecutions, including total and average costs are an operational matter for An Post and my Department does not hold the requested figures. Timing of court hearings and details of prosecutions are a matter for the Courts Service. However, I can provide details on the number of summons issued by An Post and the number of cases brought to court for the years requested, which are as follows:

The figures provided for 2021 reflect reduced operational activities due to the impact of necessary public health restrictions.

It is to be noted that not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year.

Possession of a valid TV licence is not only a legal obligation, it also provides vital funding to enable the provision of high quality public service content to Irish audiences. It is important to note that, in addition to providing funding to RTÉ, TV licences receipts also enable funding to a wider range of broadcasters including local commercial radio, and the independent production sector, through the Sound and Vision scheme.