The number of TV licences sold last year fell short of target by almost 70,000 and has led to a potential €11 million revenue loss for public service broadcasters. Correspondence sent to the PAC from Department of Communications secretary general Mark Griffin says that Covid-19 impacted sales last year as TV licence inspections were suspended. There were 961,277 TV licences sold, some 6.7 per cent below the target for the year or about 69,000 fewer licences, which cost €160 each. Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy had requested that the information on TV licences be sent to the PAC during an appearance by Mr Griffin at the committee in January. However, Ms Forbes said this year “will bring new challenges” with large deferred costs such as covering the Olympics in Japan and the European Championships football tournament set to be incurred.

Source: The Irish Times March 05, 2021 05:00 UTC