Six in 10 believe TV licence fee should be scrapped

Muireann Duffy

Over 60 per cent of people feel the TV licence fee should be scrapped, with 43 per cent describing it as dated.

Taxback Taxpayer's pre-Budget 2024 survey found 21 per cent of respondents feel there is no need for public service broadcasting, coming in the aftermath of controversy at RTÉ.

One in ten said the licence fee is too high, while 17 per cent added they do not believe the funds are put to good use.

Taxback's director Marian Ryan said the survey captures the public discontent after issues at RTÉ were brought to light over the summer, "with most people calling for the TV licence fee to be scrapped and a substantial number questioning if there is a need for public service broadcasting at all".

"The public will simply not tolerate revelations of secret pay deals, the mis-use of and disregard for taxpayer and licence fee money, or poor governance at the national broadcaster," Ms Ryan said.

"Since it was first set up, Irish people have looked to our national broadcaster to hold others to – and so it is understandable that so many now feel let down by the organisation.

"Recent months have seen a substantial drop off in the numbers buying or renewing their TV licence and unless RTÉ can win back public trust, this trend could continue," she added.