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TV Licence - ALL TV licence discussion/queries in this thread.

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,136 ✭✭✭maxamillius


    I don’t use any of RTEs services, the fee is absolutely ridiculous. A fee of 60-100 I could just about live it, even though it’s literally throwing money away for a person that doesn’t use the service, however 160 euro is obscene and pure greed on RTEs behalf.


    I can’t get RTE etc on my TV, without a saor view box, which I do not own. So maybe that should be the question, do you own a saor view box? I also don’t have a subscription to virgin or any other TV provider, why is that not a question?


    and just to add, I do have a TV license.. was forced to get one last week by the wife as she opened the door to the inspector.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,136 ✭✭✭maxamillius


    1.Do you own a TV? Yes/no

    2.Do you own a Saor view box? Yes/no

    3.Do you have a subscription to a TV service, virgin media etc? Yes/no

    if you answer no to points 2/3 above you can not get RTE etc…. Unless you’re doing it some other way which is a different discussion altogether.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,395 ✭✭✭✭dulpit


    Reminder about licence fee: we all pay to get public service broadcasting, not to get an individualised subscription specific to yourself. Greater good and all that.



  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Indeed and the only relevant question of the three posted above is the first one. It’s thinking like that though that has the notion of a subscription BBC put about in the U.K. But that would totally change the nature of the BBC; it would have to become more Sky than Sky to compete for subs. In that brave new world there would be no room for things that don’t attract paying subscribers like Radio 3, Radio 4, Newsnight, BBC Four etc. Likewise you shouldn’t be thinking that a subscription based RTE would be running RnaG or Lyric FM, or the RTECO, or even RTEjr. It would be a firm refocus on the activities that would generate the most subscribers and savage cuts to everything else.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    The Tories want to do away with public service broadcasting by privatising C4 and undermining the BBC but there is no reason for us to follow suit.

    IMO we should do away with the licence and fund public service broadcasting from general taxation treating it as a public good.

    Stop all the nonsense of chasing around trying to collect licenses and concentrate on building a public broadcasting service that serves the needs of our population and the diaspora.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,395 ✭✭✭✭dulpit


    Funding from general taxation puts a risk that if RTE go against the government, the government could cut the money that goes to RTE.

    What would be better would be to include the licence fee as part of a household charge with the electricity bills. Would get rid of avoidance easily...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    The danger of government interference is an issue but with the right funding structures put in place it could be avoided.

    A set amount tied to inflation administered by an independent body could be the answer.

    Sticking it on ESB bills would perpetuate the arguments we have now about people not watching being billed.

    By spreading the cost over all taxation that grievance would be greatly reduced.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 266 ✭✭taylor3


    I renewed mine last week reluctantly I might add. Reason being I don't watch RTE, the last time I tuned into RTE to watch a programme was Love/Hate. I don't watch the Late Late including the Toy Show. I think it's completely outdated and something else should replace it. I pay cable, Netflix etc; because I use their service but No, not RTE yet I'm forced to pay them it's so frustrating. It's like paying Bord G'ais when I don't use Gas. Very wrong.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,677 ✭✭✭Cape Clear


    Tommie Gorman retired recently on a defined benefit pension. Any wonder they need a license fee.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    You will find that the government uses our taxes to fund all sorts of things that you don't use.

    I don't know your interests but think of the National Museums, National Concert Hall, all the various sporting bodies etc.

    They do this because they consider it is in the public interest.

    A lot of people people think having a publicly funded TV and radios service falls into that category.

    Think about Irish news, current affairs, culture, music, sport etc. You won't get that on Netflix/cable.

    Your idea about replacing RTE is valid and a possible option but it would still need to be funded.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,124 ✭✭✭✭odyssey06


    Funding from general taxation means there is also the risk of RTE currying favour with the government to get more money \ being bought off to give them an easy ride. It cuts both ways.

    "To follow knowledge like a sinking star..." (Tennyson's Ulysses)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,044 ✭✭✭fatbhoy


    So if you had a TV licence, got rid of the TV, got a Statutory Declaration letter from them to say you've no TV, complete and send off that letter, what happens next if they call to see if you've no TV.

    If you don't want anyone entering your home, they can't gain access without you inviting them in to have a look around, right? What's this I hear about them being able to come in if they're accompanied by a "permitted person"? Is that a Garda with a search warrant?

    Does anyone know the exact legal position on this, including a link to back up what they claim?


    Section 146, paragraph 3, of the Broadcasting Act 2009 seems to suggest that they can come in:

    (3) An officer of an issuing agent may enter at any reasonable time any premises or specified place for the purposes of ascertaining whether there is a television set there and a television licence is for the time being in force in respect of the premises or specified place authorising the keeping of a television set at the premises or specified place.



  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭flesheatingbug


    So its that time of year again where I get bombarded with tv licence letters and I eventually, reluctantly pay it. I hate it so much. I always look out for ways for not paying for a service I don't use, it's ridiculous. I learnt a couple of years ago that my father, now 84, was paying for the licence until the age of about 81. That's when I found out he didn't have to pay for it since he was 70. My question is, is there any he can get the money back for those years, that's approximately €1760. Any way to screw those bastards.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    Sorry to hear about your father's problem.

    There are some circumstances under which he may get some refund outlined here.

    You will also notice that he has missed out on a much more substantial sum in electricity/gas allowances.

    Just a bit of advice, there are no public servants who will be trying to deprive your father of any refund he is due.

    They will just apply the rules as laid out in the legislation.



  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭flesheatingbug


    thanks for that, ya became aware of the electricity too at the same time. The TV licence pisses me off more as its a service people should only pay for if the use RTE which i don't. He does, but anyway to screw them over will be a win. Of course there are no public servants block it, but they don't go out of their way to inform people either. Christ i hate government websites (no links to anything). I'll have a go at emailing householdbenefits@welfare.ie and see what what happens



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    You're welcome.

    If you need any further advice you could contact Citizens Information or a local politician.

    As for the licence I believe it's an outdated way of paying for Public Broadcasting.

    Unfortunately we seem to be stuck with it.

    TBH they won't miss the 1760e but I'm sure your dad would like it back.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,395 ✭✭✭✭dulpit


    Reminder: if you don't use rte and your father does, and we move to a model where you only pay for what you use, then the rte that your father enjoys is dead and gone.



  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭flesheatingbug


    I'm ok with that, silly argument. You want people to pay for a service that they don't use so that the people who do use it and pay for it still have it? Also he barely uses it, he mostly watches sky sports. Can you pay my mortgage too, thanks



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,395 ✭✭✭✭dulpit


    That's not a silly argument, it's an argument for public service broadcasting. Broadcasting for the public. If they had to rely on just subscribers rte would be dead.



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  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭flesheatingbug


    in the words of James T. Kirk , Let them die. It's not an essential service. It only provides entertainment. How many channels have come and gone over the decades. And if it's just for Public Service announcements then they could easily cut the budget, fire some of the higher paid staff and stop showing films than people can get by other means. It has become irrelevant in the last decade or more, we don't need it and we don't want to pay for it.



  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭flesheatingbug


    Contacted Citizens Information and got no where. They said is wasn't a thing so I emailed them the link you provided and they're to get back to me. I have little hope they will.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    Don't give up at the first hurdle.

    It might be a long shot but it's worth going a bit further.

    There is quite a lot of money there that your dad was entitled to but did not receive.

    I think this is the crucial part of the link -

    "In certain circumstances a backdate may be made for a period in excess of six months.

    The period may be extended where the delay in making the claim is due to:

    • incorrect information given by the department OR
    • the person being so incapacitated that she or he was unable to pursue the claim OR
    • a force majeure

    For more detailed information on how these are defined, please go to Claims and Late Claims guidelines."

    Without knowing why your dad didn't follow up on his claim when he turned 70 I can't say whether he has a case and the information doesn't make it clear what exactly can extend the period. It doesn't close the door completely though.

    If you draw a blank with CI try a local councillor or TD. Ask around who is good at this sort of problem in your area. Some of them have a very good knowledge of these matters and good connections.

    Even if you fail at the end of the day you and your dad will know you did your best.



  • Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭New2Dubs


    My licence is up end of March.

    My understanding is €160 covers a year contract, and if I move outside of Ireland within that year, I’m not part-refunded and required to pay full amount.

    I’m planning a move. Like many posters, I don’t watch anything on RTE and feel this licence is a forced tax.

    I’m unhappy paying for a full year & wondered how quickly not renewing licence might catch up with me.

    Thanks in advance.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,395 ✭✭✭✭dulpit


    Pay by direct debit and cancel the dd when you leave country?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    When you cancel a DD, and they send you a letter officially telling you you are no longer licensed as the DD mandate was rejected, what’s the next stages from an post?

    do they send subsequent warning letters threatening court action? If so how many?

    are there arrears for the months you’ve not paid or do you just pick up the DD From when you agree to start paying it again?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    Anyone?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    Must be all law abiding posters here 🙂

    I am and have a licence so I don't know the exact steps that will be taken in your case.

    Probably a safe assumption that you will be hearing from them.

    From what others have posted previously it seems that if you buy a licence the problem goes away.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    And no “arrears”?

    tks for reply



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    If you still have a TV and haven't filled out the statutory declaration saying you don't have one they will assume that you owe for the missing months.

    This link explains it.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    Can’t see where it refers to arrears though



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    It's there highlighted.

    Your new licence dates from the date your last licence expired.

    In your case I guess that was when you cancelled the DD.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    So one could fill in the form and submit it and “buy” a tv by the time an inspector comes around then just buy a new licence



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    You are kidding right ?

    You want to make a statutory declaration that you have no TV and wait till an inspector comes and finds you have one.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    You know what they say about playing stupid games.

    Seriously though if you want to avoid trouble for sure either get rid of the telly or buy a licence.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    I don’t actually but how and ever, thanks for the links



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,548 ✭✭✭FishOnABike


    No. You'll probably be doubly hammered in court. Once for not having a licence and then, and far more serious, for having made a false statutory declaration.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica


    If it gets to court that is



  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Geographica, can you please drop this now, making a knowingly false statutory declaration is not a “game” - it’s a criminal offence and the discussion or advocacy of criminal activity on this forum is not permitted.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 537 ✭✭✭geographica




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  • Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭Bronco Bullfrog


    Hello

    Anyone know what is the situation with renewing a TV licence that has expired over a year ago? The PIN number that goes with the reminder letter is no longer valid, so cannot renew online.

    I have been out of the country and this got forgotten about. TV Licence expired June 2022. Is there such things as "arrears" with regard to TV Licence? Can't find anything about it on the TV licencing website

    Seems a licence can be renewed one month before expiry or within 12 months after expiry of the previous license. (As per website below).

    A Television Licence is deemed to be granted by way of renewal of a previous licence where the licence a) is granted to the person for which the previous licence was granted, b) relates to the same specified place to which the previous licence related and is granted within one month before or within 12 months after the expiration of the previous licence.

    Would I have to somehow reapply for licence again? Thanks.


    First Time Licence



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,548 ✭✭✭FishOnABike


    @Bronco Bullfrog Just apply online as a first time license. A first time licence is any is every licence not granted by way of renewal.

    The license is valid from the date issued until the end of the eleventh month after the month the licence is issued in so it is best to apply at the start of a month.




  • Registered Users Posts: 1,815 ✭✭✭faolteam


    Just looking for advice on a Tv Licence , My father passed away last August was over 70 so he got free Tv Licence, while i lived with him the renewal was up in November and got a letter that the Address is not covered by a televison licence,

    What i want to know is when paying online has three options do i Renew the licence, or First Time Licence, or Change Personal Details

    Appreciate your help thanks



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,031 ✭✭✭gipi


    If it were me, I'd select first time licence. You haven't bought one before, and the previous licence was linked to your late father.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,560 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    Yes that's the right option.

    Sorry for your trouble OP.

    There is no annual renewal date for the free licence.

    It's part of the Household Benefits Package and remains in place as long as the holder is entitled to the Household Benefits Package or passes away.

    You can't renew that licence or change the personal details.



  • Registered Users Posts: 1,815 ✭✭✭faolteam


    Thanks Guys , just one more question if i buy tomorrow it starts then from that date Annually, what way does it work when im 70 , in May 2028 do i still have to pay the Annual fee thats really only for 4 months ?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,677 ✭✭✭Cape Clear


    As far as I know it starts from the first of the month you buy it or it used to. Even if you rocked up on Jan 31st it would expire the following Jan1st.





  • I stiil haven't received a TV Licence reminder and haven't got a clue what my pin number ie etc so cant pay it online.

    I phoned them during the second week in January and was advised a letter woulkd be sent in a week or two. Still nothing.; is there a delay with letters being sent out?





  • Edit: Second posted in error. Deleted.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 nonglak


    Hey, I was looking into some legal updates about the definitions for wireless telegraphy and TV sets from the 1926 and 1972 Acts. They’ve broadened the scope to include any equipment capable of receiving TV broadcasts, which is pretty interesting. It’s a bit like the way India News often updates its tech coverage with new regulations and trends. Always something new to keep track of!



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