TV licence crackdown to focus on cable data

TV service providers have reacted with caution to plans which allow An Post access to customer subscription data in a crackdown on licence fee evaders.

Pat Rabbitte, the communications minister, confirmed the Government had approved his proposal to grant An Post access to cable and satellite TV subscription data.

He insisted that the new legislation will comply with strict data protection laws and access to the data will only be granted to An Post for its statutory functions in relation to fee collection.