Vote on privatising TV licence enforcement

The Government is set to agree plans to privatise the collection of TV licence fees in a bid to clamp down on people refusing to pay the annual charge.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten will seek approval for the plan, which is also designed to help address RTÉ’s growing financial problems, as part of a bill due to go before cabinet today.

Under the existing system, Ireland has just 40 inspectors to oversee random checks across the country every year designed to catch out people who are avoiding the €160 licence fee.