Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Ireland drops TV licence for new ‘broadcasting charge’

Charge will apply to all households who use tablets, laptops and other devices to watch content

The Irish government has announced it plans to drop the traditional TV licence fee and replace it with a new broadcasting charge.

The new charge will apply to all households who use tablets, laptops and other devices to watch content.

It’s expected to be rolled out in five years time, once the current TV licence fee contract ends.

It’s thought 12 per cent of Irish households currently evade the licence fee, while an estimated 10 per cent of homes access content on alternative devices which do not require a television licence.

Communications Minister Richard Bruton said: “Audiences are transitioning away from traditional platforms and are increasingly accessing content online through digital mediums.

“It is also clear that due to the nature of technological change and the movement towards digital devices, the design of the TV licence fee will have to change.”