TV Licensing in Ireland

Cork24 · 03-01-2012 12:25am #1

OK, I cant seem to get my head around this..

"If your household, business or institution possesses a television or equipment capable of receiving a television signal, you are required by law to have a television licence. Even if the television or other equipment is broken and currently unable to receive a signal, it is regarded as capable of being repaired so it can receive a signal and you must hold a licence for it."

I have a TV in which i do not watch LIVE,, I just use it to play the Xbox.. do not have Sky.. nor RTE TV3.. But yet am i still required to hold a licence ? in the UK, if you have a TV and not Watch Live TV then you are not required to hold one does this rule apply for here aswell ? so if a TV License guy called to my House,

I am not required to leave him in to the house nor give my name, and if asked do i hold a TV License i can just tell him i dont need a tv license, that im not required to give a reason why.. or do i need to buy a TV that can not be Tuned into getting RTE ?

mathepac · 03-01-2012 12:34am

Cork24 wrote: »

... "If your household, business or institution possesses a television or equipment capable of receiving a television signal, you are required by law to have a television licence. ...

Not again FFS. You have a telly, get a licence, because you need one for the telly, not for the channels you receive or watch or don't receive or don't watch or the use you choose to put your telly to. Simpelz

If you have a dog you need a licence whether it walks, barks or not.

If you prefer UK law, move there

Cork24 · 03-01-2012 12:44am

mathepac wrote: »

Not again FFS. You have a telly, get a licence, because you need one for the telly, not for the channels you receive or watch or don't receive or don't watch or the use you choose to put your telly to. Simpelz

If you have a dog you need a licence whether it walks, barks or not.

If you prefer UK law, move there

Dogs are considered property and are required to be registered under a license.

Do you own a Radio and do you have a License for that ?

I would like to knw is if i dont have RTE or no means for getting a Signal on my TV then their is really no need for a TV License which goes to RTE to pay for the likes of Pat Kenny

athtrasna · 03-01-2012 12:50am

Cork24 wrote: »

Do you own a Radio and do you have a License for that ?

I would like to knw is if i dont have RTE or no means for getting a Signal on my TV then their is really no need for a TV License which goes to RTE to pay for the likes of Pat Kenny

The TV licence replaces the radio license which was compulsory for all those with radios in the state..can't remember the dates that it changed, know we were told about it in college.

The licence fee you pay by law if you own a television set does not just pay for RTE TV & radio, it also funds orchestras, choirs and independent broadcasters and producers. It is not an optional fee, it is the law.

mathepac · 03-01-2012 12:50am

mathepac wrote: »

Not again FFS. You have a telly, get a licence, because you need one for the telly, not for the channels you receive or watch or don't receive or don't watch or the use you choose to put your telly to. Simpelz ...

The answer was there, can you get your little head around that.

If you'd ever bought a licence you'd know that you pay An Post on behalf of the Minister for Communications or whatever that portfolio is called now.

Cork24 · 03-01-2012 12:56am

my tv can receive a signal but the house i live in does not have a signal to receive as their is no Sky box nor a Cable coming into the house as it was cut years ago.

newbie2 · 03-01-2012 1:01am

you own a TV - you need a license

Syth · 03-01-2012 1:48pm

The law is clear. If you have a TV, you need a TV licence.

The law is clear about what you can and can't say to the TV licence man. You are required to state in writing whether you have or have not a TV. It is an offence to lie on that form. (I can't remember what part of what Act that is from now). You may not say "I don't require one" if you want, but if An Post sends you (via registered post or in person) the form under the act, you can either not send it back (and commit and offence) or must state whether you have or have not a TV, and it's an offence to lie.

If you want to find a way around it, get rid of your TV, get a big monitor, and try to play games on that.

Paulw · 03-01-2012 2:21pm

Cork24 wrote: »

my tv can receive a signal

Therefore, you need a license, by law.

Just get one.

Sir Oxman · 03-01-2012 2:23pm

newbie2 wrote: »

you own a TV - you need a license

If it doesn't have a tuner though?

Q. Do I require a television Licence even though I am unable to receive RTÉ and other Irish regulated broadcasts?
A. Yes. The position is that once you are in possession of a television set capable of receiving television broadcasts, you are required to have a television licence. Effectively, it is the set that is licensed, not the ability to receive television broadcasts.

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting/Frequently+Asked+Questions/Television+Licence+FAQ.htm#6

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 2:39pm

If you could prove your TV is a monitor you can get away with it.

All you have to do is.

Take down all the aerials and satellites, outside your house, anything that can receive or send a signal.

Hook up your xbox to the monitor, laptop, pc whatever you use for media.

Watch your films, tv shows, etc through xbmc, rte player, bbc player, navi x, icefilms through your pc,xbox etc.

Have a receipt for your tv/monitor saying it's monitor.Very important that part

Tell the tv license man to go **** himself you have a monitor, not a tv.

To beat it, before you let the dog out

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-001-HS

If you pay the license once they will hound you forever.

Get a monitor my friend, like me.

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 2:53pm

Here is a 24" inch Philips Full HD monitor.

For 151 euro, 9 euro less than the License.

It has HDMI connection for your xbox, DVI, VGA for your pc, built in speakers.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4591511/art/philips/244e1sb-24-full-hd-tft-sc.html

Sell your TV on adverts for as much as you can and your laughing:D

Wont cost you a cent.

Paulw · 03-01-2012 2:53pm

Squall19 wrote: »

If you could prove your TV is a monitor you can get away with it.

Have a receipt for your tv/monitor saying it's monitor.Very important that part

Tell the tv license man to go **** himself you have a monitor, not a tv.

:eek:

Incorrect. All false claims. If you have a TV, you have a TV, and you must have a TV license.

Buy a TV license, or end up in court.

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 3:14pm

Paulw wrote: »

:eek:

Incorrect. All false claims. If you have a TV, you have a TV, and you must have a TV license.

Buy a TV license, or end up in court.

A monitor is not a TV.

Is a bicycle a motorbike?:)

Can I hook up a sky box or aerial to this.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4591511/art/philips/244e1sb-24-full-hd-tft-sc.html

No I can't

Not a TV

Paulw · 03-01-2012 3:24pm

Squall19 wrote: »

A monitor is not a TV.

Can I hook up a sky box or aerial to this.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4591511/art/philips/244e1sb-24-full-hd-tft-sc.html

No I can't

Not a TV

Correct, that's not a TV, and doesn't require a TV license.

However, that's not what the OP has. The OP has a TV, that is capable of receiving a TV signal, therefore needs a TV license. Maybe you missed that part. :rolleyes:

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 3:35pm

Paulw wrote: »

Correct, that's not a TV, and doesn't require a TV license.

However, that's not what the OP has. The OP has a TV, that is capable of receiving a TV signal, therefore needs a TV license. Maybe you missed that part. :rolleyes:

The OP was talking about buying a new TV;)

Cork24 wrote: »

or do i need to buy a TV that can not be Tuned into getting RTE ?

All he has to do is sell his current TV, buy the monitor I linked for 151 euro and no TV license.Wont cost him a penny.

Monitor's are far better quality than TV's anyway.If your not going to use it as a TV get rid.

Plus

No 160 euro to pay to those crooks in charge.

Paulw · 03-01-2012 3:41pm

Squall19 wrote: »

The OP was talking about buying a new TV;)

No, the OP has a TV. See the opening post in the thread :rolleyes: -

Cork24 wrote: »

I have a TV

And -

Cork24 wrote: »

my tv can receive a signal

The OP has a TV and needs a TV license.

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 3:58pm

Yes he has a TV at the moment.

Moment, means for now.Not for ever.

OP want's a way around paying TV license and is willing to buy a TV that can not be tuned into getting RTE, eg a monitor.

Cork24 wrote: »

or do i need to buy a TV that can not be Tuned into getting RTE ?

Cork24 wrote: »

I have a TV in which i do not watch LIVE,, I just use it to play the Xbox.

Why would he need a TV, when he doesn't need it, Xbox has a HDMI connection, as do all modern monitors.

OP needs to buy a monitor.

Just like you need to buy petrol for a petrol car, diesel for a diesel car.

Get it yet?

Or do you work for revenue and want his money?

mathepac · 03-01-2012 5:16pm

Squall19 wrote: »

Yes he has a TV at the moment...

So he needs a TV licence at the moment. What else is there to know? His future plans or your suggestions are irrelevant to his current situation.

Squall19 wrote: »

... OP want's a way around paying TV license and is willing to buy a TV that can not be tuned into getting RTE, eg a monitor...

His licence has nothing whatsoever to do with receiving or viewing RTE or any other channel; it has to do with possession of a TV.

Squall19 wrote: »

...Or do you work for revenue and want his money?

Revenue do not get involved in TV licensing matters; these are dealt with exclusively by An Post on behalf of the Minister for Communications. Get it yet?

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 7:15pm

TV can be moved in 2 seconds so he doesn't a license at the moment:)

His current situation is he doesn't want to pay the license.

He needs a monitor, which are very cheap now.

What kind of an idiot pays for a TV license, when he doesn't need to.

Why do you want OP to waste his money?

Monitor = 150 euro for a good 24" for his XBOX

Tv license = 160 euro for nothing, but a ****ty piece of paper.

He is up 10 euro and has something to show for it, a brand new Full HD class monitor.

OP does not need a TV, he doesn't need a TV license.He needs a monitor.

Get it yet?

Some people are very clever:rolleyes:

Squall19 · 03-01-2012 7:40pm

OP

Just pay the TV license like all the great lads here have said.

Be a good boy and give the goverment your money, they need it badly to waste on **** and we must be good little boys.

I'm done here.

mathepac · 03-01-2012 7:45pm

Squall19 wrote: »

... I'm done here.

Thank Christ. I was about to ring the doc for Xanax (for both of us)

not even wrong · 04-01-2012 10:15pm

Cork24 wrote: »

my tv can receive a signal but the house i live in does not have a signal to receive as their is no Sky box nor a Cable coming into the house as it was cut years ago.

You still have a signal coming into your house

Spipov · 29-10-2014 9:48am

sorry for dragging up an old thread.

i dont have a tv, no aerial, no dish, no cable.

i however have a monitor i bought a long time ago but that has tv capabilities, however, its only used as a monitor for work.

do i need a tv licence?

_Brian · 29-10-2014 9:51am

Spipov wrote: »

sorry for dragging up an old thread.

i dont have a tv, no aerial, no dish, no cable.

i however have a monitor i bought a long time ago but that has tv capabilities, however, its only used as a monitor for work.

do i need a tv licence?

In theory yes. It's like having a gun with no shells, you'd still need a licence for the gun.

Spipov · 29-10-2014 9:52am

thanks very much, there goes 160.

runawaybishop · 29-10-2014 3:21pm

Spipov wrote: »

thanks very much, there goes 160.

Buy a monitor without tv capabilities instead.

Mark#1 · 11-04-2016 7:01am

Sorry to drag up an old thread again...

Recently moved into my own place. The TV I have was bought in NI, before Ireland switched to digital broadcasting. My TV's tuner can't receive Ireland's digital broadcasts. I have no TV receiver - no Sky, no UPC, no Freesat or any variant of terrestrial or satellite box; nor do I have broadband - I effectively have no means of receiving TV broadcast, nor streaming or downoading content.

Already started saving the stamps for the licence, but it seems bogus to me that my circumstances should necessitate a TV licence? Where do I stand?

Thanks for any replies.

iainBB · 11-04-2016 8:31am

We got the largest monitors we could and also got a projector for movie night .

When the TV Licence harassment started I told him that

"We have a computer Monitor and stream content from online. we do not have a TV and there for do not require a TV licence.
we will pay the broadcasting scam licence when that is introduced but do not need a TV licence."

That stopped the harassment for about a year, but they come back with other nonsense forms, they just don't believe that someone in this day and age can do without and idiot box and RTE, I ignore all communication from them.

MarkAnthony · 11-04-2016 9:16am

Mark#1 wrote: »

Sorry to drag up an old thread again...

Recently moved into my own place. The TV I have was bought in NI, before Ireland switched to digital broadcasting. My TV's tuner can't receive Ireland's digital broadcasts. I have no TV receiver - no Sky, no UPC, no Freesat or any variant of terrestrial or satellite box; nor do I have broadband - I effectively have no means of receiving TV broadcast, nor streaming or downoading content.

Already started saving the stamps for the licence, but it seems bogus to me that my circumstances should necessitate a TV licence? Where do I stand?

Thanks for any replies.

You still need a licence. You're welcome to challenge it in court, if you do and are sucessful please let us all know.

iainBB wrote: »

We got the largest monitors we could and also got a projector for movie night .

When the TV Licence harassment started I told him that

"We have a computer Monitor and stream content from online. we do not have a TV and there for do not require a TV licence.
we will pay the broadcasting scam licence when that is introduced but do not need a TV licence."

That stopped the harassment for about a year, but they come back with other nonsense forms, they just don't believe that someone in this day and age can do without and idiot box and RTE, I ignore all communication from them.

It's someone doing their job, I told them the same in polite manner even invited him in for a cuppa, never heard from them again. I do wish people would learn a bit of civility goes a long way.

iainBB · 11-04-2016 9:29am

MarkAnthony wrote: »

It's someone doing their job, I told them the same in polite manner even invited him in for a cuppa, never heard from them again. I do wish people would learn a bit of civility goes a long way.

just because they JOB is to call at homes that do not have TV licence over and over, asking details. sending many different letters with threatening language and legislation, faking/imitate court letters with stating illegal suggestive behavior over and over again.
That is harassment.

I was polite the first 4 times. that quickly ran out.

Paulw · 11-04-2016 11:42am

iainBB wrote: »

just because they JOB is to call at homes that do not have TV licence over and over, asking details. sending many different letters with threatening language and legislation, faking/imitate court letters with stating illegal suggestive behavior over and over again.
That is harassment.

If you believe what they are doing is illegal, please consult a solicitor.

iainBB · 11-04-2016 11:46am

Paulw wrote: »

If you believe what they are doing is illegal, please consult a solicitor.

I did not say it was illegal, I am sure they are will with in their rights to bully my family and me.

Paulw · 11-04-2016 11:50am

iainBB wrote: »

I did not say it was illegal, I am sure they are will with in their rights to bully my family and me.

errrr ....

iainBB wrote: »

faking/imitate court letters with stating illegal suggestive behavior over and over again.

You did say "illegal"

iainBB · 11-04-2016 11:56am

Paulw wrote: »

errrr ....

You did say "illegal"

I did say the word "illegal", yes that is true

i said it in the context of they harassment letters read about illegal behavior that not have a TV licence is illegal and fine up to ... for not having one and all TV should be licence and bla bla.
and 30 days in jail for anyone bla bla.

But I did not say their behavior was, there is a difference

Mark#1 · 11-04-2016 12:16pm

Not getting involved in other folk's stuff.

For my part, I had the TV licence guy visit - brought him in to see my TV, had a chat, he asked a few questions and gave me some time to come up with the fee. All pleasant & cordial. And as I said I'm saving the licence stamps.

Always paid my TV licence in my last home - I did have terrestrial & satellite receivers and broadband, so I accepted that the licence was appropriate.

But it still seems bogus to me that a licence is required for someone with:

No means to receive terrestrial TV broadcasts
No means to receive satellite TV broadcasts
No means to stream online content
No means to download online content

I can watch DVDs or play video games - that's it.

Bogus, bogus, bogus...

I understand that the state will always do what it can get away with to maximise what it can take from The People (gotta fund those pensions somehow...), but I'm not sure how any reasoning person can disagree that the current TV licencing mechanism is bogus, or at least flawed.

MarkAnthony · 11-04-2016 12:52pm

iainBB wrote: »

just because they JOB is to call at homes that do not have TV licence over and over, asking details. sending many different letters with threatening language and legislation, faking/imitate court letters with stating illegal suggestive behavior over and over again.
That is harassment.

I was polite the first 4 times. that quickly ran out.

Eh, is this in Ireland? It's a standard letter that gets sent a few times from An post, you do the declaration thinggy and it stops coming.

runawaybishop · 11-04-2016 12:54pm

Mark#1 wrote: »

Not getting involved in other folk's stuff.

For my part, I had the TV licence guy visit - brought him in to see my TV, had a chat, he asked a few questions and gave me some time to come up with the fee. All pleasant & cordial. And as I said I'm saving the licence stamps.

Always paid my TV licence in my last home - I did have terrestrial & satellite receivers and broadband, so I accepted that the licence was appropriate.

But it still seems bogus to me that a licence is required for someone with:
[*]No means to receive terrestrial TV broadcasts
[*]No means to receive satellite TV broadcasts
[*]No means to stream online content
[*]No means to download online content

I can watch DVDs or play video games - that's it.

Bogus, bogus, bogus...

I understand that the state will always do what it can get away with to maximise what it can take from The People (gotta fund those pensions somehow...), but I'm not sure how any reasoning person can disagree that the current TV licencing mechanism is bogus, or at least flawed.

Rabbit ears will get you irish channels, depending on the area even a coathanger will. The current licensing model is brilliant in its simplicity/stupidity.

MarkAnthony · 11-04-2016 12:55pm

Mark#1 wrote: »

No means to stream online content

No means to download online content

I can watch DVDs or play video games - that's it.

Bogus, bogus, bogus...

I understand that the state will always do what it can get away with to maximise what it can take from The People (gotta fund those pensions somehow...), but I'm not sure how any reasoning person can disagree that the current TV licencing mechanism is bogus, or at least flawed.

The above do not require a TV licence. The licence is for the tuner. It's outdate legislation and needs an update but when it does it will be MORE encompassing not less.

The solution is to buy a monitor rather than a TV.

uck51js9zml2yt · 11-04-2016 12:57pm

Can we put a global ban on ALL TV Licence posts please ?

They've been done to death. They are almost as bad as threads discussing Joan Burtons voice

ED E · 11-04-2016 12:59pm

What should have happened by now is the TV licence being scrapped for a universal "Arts Tax" that hits anyone that reaches the minimum threshold to pay income tax and is deducted at source. Job done, no paying inspectors.

But that would probably be political suicide, only those on the scratcher would support it.

mvt · 11-04-2016 1:09pm

Had a TV inspector knock on the door just last week(live in an apt),first time in eleven years.
I've never owned a TV & had send in the declaration the first time I received one,maybe six months after I moved in.
The guy was very pleasant, said their records were out of date & said he would sort it out & there was no need for him to come in to check.
He also said he found that a lot of folk don't have a TV these days.
I suppose, like anything its a situation that can be as good or bad as you make it yourself.

MarkAnthony · 11-04-2016 1:15pm

Zayn Spoiled Newsprint wrote: »

Can we put a global ban on ALL TV Licence posts please ?

They've been done to death. They are almost as bad as threads discussing Joan Burtons voice

At least a mega thread and one for "I've more money than sense and think boards is a good place to do my reasearch on major financial decisions like buying an apartment and becomeing a landlord".

That title might need work.

davo2001 · 11-04-2016 1:18pm

Cork24 wrote: »

I have a TV

So you need a TV licence! How are you unclear on this?

Paulw · 11-04-2016 1:37pm

Mod note: The TV license is not all that complex.

TV License information - http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/media/tv_licences.html

If you want to discuss the legality of it all, you can go to the Legal Discussion area of boards.ie
If you disagree with how the law is, or want to share views on how it should be or how it could be changed, then there is a Politics section on boards.ie too.

The_Conductor · 11-04-2016 1:47pm

runawaybishop wrote: »

Rabbit ears will get you irish channels, depending on the area even a coathanger will. The current licensing model is brilliant in its simplicity/stupidity.

Not entirely true- RTE Networks advise almost 7% of the area of the country- including some parts of Dublin- but mostly remote/mountainous areas- are incapable of receiving a terrestrial signal. Even some relatively urban areas- such as West Dublin/North Kildare- need large external antennas to pick up Kippure- and local authorities have been vigorously chasing those with such antennas. In Lucan village- there are installers doing flying trade installing Saorsat receivers for those who don't want to pay UPC or Sky for the privilege of watching RTE (ontop of the fee).

The TV licence is a locational licence to possess equipment capable of displaying a TV signal in a property. The lack of a signal is immaterial.

There are plans to merge TV licences into the Property tax- to ease the costs associated with collection/enforcement- and the Minister has stated in the Dáil that all habitable properties should be considered liable.......... Given the Revenue Commissioners collect the Property Tax- I wish anyone who is inclined to dispute the tax the very best of good luck.

TV Licensing in Ireland

Comments