Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, has today expressed his disappointment that proposals to go to Cabinet will not include the scrapping of the TV licence.

Teachta Gould said:

“We now have a situation whereby a levy on households that has been described by those in government as regressive and outdated will be retained. That is a shocking indictment of this government’s failure to act.

“They are completely ignoring the recommendation of the Future of Media Commission report. This government will not even listen to the experts on the TV licence.

“We know that the Minister wanted the licence scrapped but she has shown once again that she is not in control of her own Department or brief. Fine Gael were determined to cling onto the TV licence despite clear evidence indicating it should have been abolished a long time ago.

“There were reports that Fianna Fáil had also expressed their support for the scrapping of the TV licence. They have also failed to deliver this at Cabinet.

“We must now see RTÉ, particularly if they are to be the only state body to receive multi-annual funding, come under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. We cannot have another scandal caused by this government burying their head in the sand.

“The reality is that this decision will mean we will still see vulnerable ordinary people dragged through the courts system for non-payment of a regressive levy. It is in no one’s best interests for a single mother to receive a Court Summons for not paying their TV licence.

“The government had an opportunity to support modern, future-proofed public sector broadcasting and instead, they fumbled the ball at the final hurdle. This is truly an own goal.”