Drive against TV licence defaulters to continue

The "intensive drive" to prosecute television licence defaulters, which saw over 300 people brought before Dublin District Court yesterday, will continue, according to a spokesman for An Post.

Mr John Foley said the number of television-licence inspectors had been almost doubled in the past year, and more than 300 people would be prosecuted at Dublin District Court on October 3rd, with another 430 cases listed for October 24th.

"In the last year we have heavily augmented the resources we're putting into this.

"Last year to December there were 300,000 inspections countrywide, and we took about 6,000 prosecutions," Mr Foley said.

The number of inspectors had increased from 60 to "about 100" around the State.

Judge Conal Gibbons imposed the maximum fine of €634 plus €15 costs on a significant number of people who failed to appear at the court yesterday to explain why they had not been in possession of a current TV licence when they were visited by inspectors last autumn.

By far the majority of yesterday's cases were struck out. Of the first 150 listed 104 were struck out, mainly because notice of the court proceedings could not be served.

This was probably because the intended recipients had moved since the inspector called.

There were also a significant number of women who told the court they were lone parents dependent on social welfare payments who could not afford the €150 price of a television licence.

Among them is Ms Catherine Gannon, who said she had been saving licence stamps and had accumulated €18 worth this year.

She said she was living alone with her child and hoped to be able to buy a licence when she got next month's €125 child benefit payment.

Judge Gibbons said he wouldn't suggest she prioritise things like that, but he would like her to get a licence. He adjourned her case until January next year.

Ms Lisa McGoldrick appeared in court with a licence she bought earlier this month. Describing herself as a single mother on a low income, she said she worked part-time. She was fined €20, plus €15 costs.

Mr Derek Gibney also appeared with a licence he bought this month. "I had just moved into the house and I kept putting it [buying a licence] back," he said.

Judge Gibbons said: "See what happens when you put it back. You get the knock at the door." He imposed a fine of €35 plus €15 costs.

Mr Foley of An Post said he was not disappointed at the number of prosecutions struck out.

A number of people are entitled to a free TV licence, including everyone aged 70 or over or in receipt of the carers' allowance.

There are other qualifying circumstances, details of which are available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.