Anger over plan to have Revenue collect TV licence fees

The Government is to face strong opposition to plans to get Revenue to collect the TV licence. The high evasion rate is costing RTÉ €40m a year.

The Cabinet is to consider a proposal from Communications Minister Denis Naughten that the contract for collecting the annual, €160 fee be taken from An Post and given to either Revenue or a private contractor.

Mr Naughten has said the 14.6% evasion level is unacceptable. It represents an annual loss of €40m to public service broadcasting. People who pay their licence fee pay €39 to cover the cost of those who refuse to do so.