TV License

You probably bought a monitor, not a TV screen, I'd say.

I also think that you do have an idea on what you bought and what it can do, and can't do.

As a monitor is not a TV, the TV License doesn't apply here as no TV can be received.

On another note, how does it work in Ireland? Surprise house to house visits by inspectors? Random letters? Or do the likes of Curry's and PC world inform the TV Licensing guys on who bought what? ( I doubt that's happening)

I always suspected that in Ireland it's a combination of random letters to an address where a license isn't registered, but something else, like an ESB account exists? ( I don't think they look into the electoral register? )

If the tv is capable of receiving a signal or can be repaired based on original design to receive a signal you will be liable for a licence, any other opinion is that of Magic Lucky Bag Land.

You don't need to email anybody, that's a bad idea.

First you will get that little advice slip saying no tv licence, legal requirement blaa blaa.

Next you will get a letter saying you still have no licence and the next stage is escalating the investigation and possible legal action. You might get a third saying the same thing.

Ignore. All. Of. them.

They're empty threats that they send to every unregistered household, even if you don't have a TV.

Do not try to reason with them regarding the monitor, they will try force you to get one regardless and come up with a million reasons why you still need it. They like to threaten and bully you.

As long as they don't have your name, they cannot do anything. Simple solution is do not answer the door to unexpected knocks and do not give your name to the inspector if you do answer the door.

Do note they like to disguise themselves as other people such as delivery drivers/postmen etc and then launch their attack once you've said who you are.

If you're legally in the right OP, and don't have an actual TV then you'll be fine and the legal threats are empty.

I didn't want to dive that advice, you did, and I am thankful for that.

Regarding your statement, you're correct. These are just empty threats, they have no evidence, they have nothing, they just send general letters to any household. They must have your name, catch you in the act, get into your apartment, collect evidence for possible prosecution.

What I don't know is if they can get into your apartment with a court order? Even though rare, I've heard these stories about the UK.

As a slight variation on this, I resented being chased up in the UK for a license. I bought a TV for use here as at the time they were cheaper in the UK.

After an amusing few months I discovered that not only is a licence not needed for a TV, you can watch foreign stations in England licence free via aerial or satellite.

The license is to pay for the national broadcaster, it is fair and simple.

Now my problem here is that I don't watch RTE since my last LG stopped displaying text. Anything worthwhile is available from other sources without the advertising.

Has anyone tested the need for a licence for a TV in court here in Ireland? If the licence fee is to pay for the national broadcaster, then people with TV receivers that do not consider RTE worth the money are unfairly penalised.

As they point out in the UK, if a smartphone is used for BBC broadcasts, that needs a licence, a tuner is not a requirement, so why should a person using a TV to view photos or recorded media have to pay for a service that is little more than a regurgitation of the worst English rubbish with adverts for a load of useless dross breaking up anything anyone might take an interest in anyway?

I am considering terminating the license next year. RTE is not what it used to be and there is more than enough quality material insead of seeing rubbish like "eastenders" and "coronation street" regurgitated.

So if the TV license is to pay for the material, why are TV owners being unfairly taxed if they reject said material?

Cornoation Street is on Virgin Media so that has f**k all to do with your licence fee!

A TV licence costs 43 cents per day.

If you really think that you can't justify this expenditure then you need to get rid of your TV.

You can sell it or get someone who has a licence to store it for you in case you change your mind.