TV licence inspectors checking holiday homes

TV licence inspectors have begun a blitz on holiday homes during the Summer.

Cottages, mobile homes, caravans and boats will be checked.

A total of more than one million people paid the €160 fee last year but An Post believes there are still hundreds of thousands of evaders across the country.

And teams of inspectors are getting ready to target holiday properties.

The law states that any property that has a TV set must have a TV licence and there are no exceptions for holiday homes.

Conviction for non-payment of a television licence (first offence) is a fine of up to €1,000.

If you are convicted a second time or more for not paying your television licence, you will be fined up to €2,000.

Many  holiday properties have been vacant for periods during the year - but it's likely the owners will be present when inspectors call during coming weekdays, evenings or weekends.

An Post prosecuted thousands of cases through the courts for non-payment of the licence last year and a small number were even jailed.

TV licences can be paid at www.tvlicence.ie.

Last year, An Post said it was setting up a panel for Temporary TV Licence Inspectors from which temporary vacancies will be filled.

The terms and conditions of the job were set out as follows:

Staff will have a 37.5 hours per week, and a 5 day week, Monday to Saturday attendance liability.

A Basic Pay Scale of €433.87 per week applies.

There is a TV Inspection allowance of €18.07 per week and a Saturday allowance of €16.91.

Mileage and Subsistence will be paid as appropriate. The position attracts 21 days paid holidays a year.

There is also an additional incentive scheme based on visits and sales achieved.