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€15 monthly levy on broadband bills to replace TV licence fee

Radical plan to fund RTÉ is one of three options at centre of government tensions

Catherine Martin said last month that direct exchequer funding for public service broadcasting should still be given “serious consideration”. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Plans to replace Ireland’s outdated TV licence fee could see a new levy of €10 to €15 a month charged on household internet and phone bills, under proposals being considered by the government.

A cross-departmental group has weighed up the possibility of charging a ‘digital levy’ to replace the contentious €160 annual payment, which is used primarily to fund RTÉ.

It comes as tensions are growing in government over opposing views on how to fund ...