Surge in jail terms linked to TV licences

MORE people than ever before are being jailed for the non-payment of court fines relating to TV licences.

Between March and December last, 132 people received jail sentences.

An Post confirmed last night 16,000 court summonses were processed in the first nine months of 2011. About 7,000 cases ended up in court.

“Everyone is given the opportunity to purchase or renew a licence following a face-to-face visit by an inspector or receipt of a reminder card,” An Post said. “Everyone has time to buy a licence before the prosecution process begins.”

But Fine Gael TD Derek Keating said he was “totally against people being jailed over not paying their TV licence fine”.

An Post, he said, should be able to deduct money at source. “This would free up space in prison and look at the costs involved for the non-payment of a €160 TV licence.

“At Wheatfield prison, in my own constituency, it costs the state just under €200 to hold a prisoner each day,” he added.

Figures released from Alan Shatter, the justice minister, show 132 people were jailed for failure to pay TV licence fines.

The upsurge in 2011 and 2010 compares with 62 jailed in 2009; 54 in 2008, 32 in 2007 and 31 in 2006. Those who fail to pay the licence face fines of up to €1,000 for a first offence and up to €2,000 for subsequent offences.