Speaking in cabinet today, Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten proposed that all media devices, such as laptops and tablets, be required to have a TV license.
His suggestion is that any media device over 12 inches will come under the annual TV license fee currently standing at €160.
One TV license per household would be sufficient – covering both the television set and the devices. However, any household or business without a TV, will still have to pay the license for their devices, if the proposed change is introduced.
Naughten believes that broadening the charge will eliminate TV license fee evasions, which are said to cost the state €40 million per year.
It is estimated that RTÉ will gain an extra €5 million per annum if the move goes ahead.