Q. What is a Television Licence?
Q. Where can I get a Television Licence?
Q. How much does a Television Licence cost?
Q. How long does a Television Licence last for?
Q. Do I require a television Licence even though I am unable to receive RTÉ and other native broadcasts?
Q. Do I require a TV Licence for each TV set I have in my home?
Q. If a house is divided into different units, apartments, or flats, does each require a separate TV Licence?
Q. Do I require a TV Licence for a Holiday home?
Q. Do I require a TV Licence even though I do not use my TV for watching broadcasts?
Q. I am moving house, is it possible to change the address on the Television Licence to that of my new address?
Q. Is it possible to obtain a free Television Licence?
Q. What is a Television Licence?
A. A Television Licence is a licence granted by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources under section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 (No. 45 of 1926) to a person to keep and have possession of apparatus for Wireless Telegraphy (within the meaning of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1972) in a specified place in the State or in a specified vehicle, ship or aircraft.
Q. Where can I get a Television Licence?
A. Television Licences are sold at all Post Offices. You can pay for your television licence by cash, cheque or with television saving stamps at any Post Office. Additionally, you can use your Laser card to pay for a television licence at over 1,000 automated Post Offices.
Television Licences can also be purchased via a Lo-Call Number at 1890 228-528 (debit and credit cards transactions only), or online at http://www.billpay.ie/.
(Renewal licences only).
Customers may now pay their Television Licence fee in monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly Direct Debit Instalments. To avail of these payment options customers must have a Bank Current Account, Master Card or Visa Card Account. Direct Debit forms are available at Local TV Licence Records Offices.
Q. How much does a Television Licence cost?
A. From 1st January 2008, the fee for a television licence is €160.00.
Q. How long does a Television Licence last for?
A. The position is that every new licence comes into force on the day on which it was granted and, unless sooner revoked by the Minister under current television licences regulations, continues in force until the end of the eleventh month after the month in which it was granted.
A Licence, granted by way of renewal of a previous licence, comes into force at whichever of the following times is the later, that is to say, the expiration of the previous licence or the grant of the renewal licence, and in every case, unless sooner revoked by the Minister continues in force from the time at which it so commences until the end of one year from the expiration of the previous licence.
Q. Do I require a television Licence even though I am unable to receive RTÉ and other native broadcasts?
A. Yes. The position is that once you are in possession of a television set capable of receiving a signal, you are required to have a television licence. Effectively, it is the set that is licensed, not the signal.
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Q. Do I require a TV Licence for each TV set I have in my home?
A. No. One TV Licence is required per household.
Q. If a house is divided into different units, apartments, or flats, does each require a separate TV Licence?
A. Yes, each unit, flat or apartment with a TV set requires a TV Licence.
Q. Do I require a TV Licence for a Holiday home?
A . Yes. The position is that any premises with a television must have an accompanying television licence as set out in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988.
Q. Do I require a TV Licence even though I do not use my TV for watching broadcasts?
A. Yes. The position is that a television set constitutes apparatus for wireless telegraphy as defined in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988. Under these Acts, it is an offence to possess apparatus for wireless telegraphy except under and in accordance with a licence. Accordingly, a television set must be licensed regardless of its capability to receive RTÉ or any other broadcasting service.
Q. I am moving house, is it possible to change the address on the Television Licence to that of my new address?
A. Yes. An Post on behalf of the Minister, may amend any licence in such manner as appears to be proper in the circumstances, in particular, the description of the place the television is located may change.
On permanently changing the postal address the holder of the television licence should, as soon as possible, give notice of the change (with full particulars of his or her hew postal address) to the postmaster of the Post Office at which the licence was obtained or An Post, if it was obtained directly from An Post.
Q. Is it possible to obtain a free Television Licence?
A. A free television licence may be obtained under the scheme administered by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs known as Household Benefits Package. If you qualify for the Household Benefits Package then you will be entitled to a Free Television Licence from the next due renewal date of your current Television licence.
Free Schemes Section,
Pension Services Office,
FREEPOST
College Road,
Sligo
Lo-Call: 1890 50 0000 ext: 8371