Prosecutions for non-payment of TV licences soar since RTÉ payments scandal

As many as 60 people a day are now being summonsed for not paying their TV licence, latest figures reveal. 

The number of people not paying the €160 fee has risen significantly in the wake of the RTÉ payments scandal which emerged last June.

Figures released by the Department of Media show that more than 13,000 were summonsed to appear before the courts last year for non-payment, with the numbers facing prosecution since the controversy broke increasing by 33pc a month.

A total of 5,073 summonses were applied for by An Post between January 1 and May 31 last, with 8,064 being sought over the following six months.

In total, the number of cases brought before various district courts was 8,612.

However, figures show that the renewal of TV licences dropped dramatically in the months after the RTÉ payments scandal was revealed. 

Those who do not pay the TV licence face fines of up to €1,000 or a term in prison. 

A Department of Media spokesperson said: "As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post.  An Post make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV Licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise.  While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort.

"It is to be noted, however, that not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year. Timing of court hearings and details of prosecutions and sentencing are a matter for the Courts Service," the spokesperson said.