€3 increase in television licence fee condemned as 'stealth tax' by FG

FINE GAEL has criticised the Government for hiking up the TV licence fee over the festive season, describing it as "another stealth tax."

Bernard Durkan, FG TD and communications spokesman, said the €3 increase was "an unwelcome New Year's gift."

"It's an extraordinary time to award the increase when the Broadcasting Bill has yet to be brought before the house and the future structure of broadcasting debated," Mr Durkan said.