TV licence inspectors given resilience training over level of abuse on doorsteps

TV licence inspectors were offered resilience training to help them cope with rising levels of abuse and aggression on the doorsteps in the wake of the RTÉ controversies last year. 

A union official said scandals at RTÉ have made the job for inspectors "almost impossible". 

A spokesperson for An Post confirmed that resilience training was introduced due to "increased hostility and aggression" towards inspectors. 

"We have a duty of care to our staff and this is constantly being reinforced with our colleagues and supported by An Post," the spokesperson said. 

"Our Inspectors operate under Guidance issued as far back as 2021 which is tailored to dealing with specific situations they might encounter," the spokesperson said. 

"Separately staff have also undergone resilience training which was initiated as a result of the increased hostility and aggression faced by some staff in the aftermath of the RTE crisis," they said. 

It was also confirmed that for periods during the crisis staff were confined to what An Post describes as ‘non-contact’ visits due "to the level of aggression and abuse they faced".

"Full inspections resumed some time back and our Inspectors resumed their usual programme of house to house calls and engagement with householders," the spokesperson said. 

Seán McDonagh, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the political situation around RTÉ had "added to difficulties" for TV licence staff. 

"The TV licence model is in place since the early '80s when An Post was given the job to do it. It hasn't been updated - the legislation, in terms of making collection - the contract has not been updated. And at times An Post itself, has had to sponsor and pay its own money towards implementing the contract. 

"That's no longer fit for purpose. Events at RTÉ has made that worse, and the jobs of the inspectors, almost impossible. 

"It was never an easy job - made all the more difficult, and some political comment, particularly has added to that," Mr McDonagh said. 

He added that successive governments and ministers have and the department with responsibility have "failed to grasp and deal with this". 

There is now some discussion on a new form of TV licence fee, particularly in light of many people consuming their media in different formats, and not just through their television. 

Mr McDonagh noted that the new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has undertaken to deal with the issue, before the Dáil recess.

"I call on him to do so... He needs to make sure that whatever decision is made, the 100 staff, and the cost to An Post, is factored into any solution and company should not be carrying the can for the shortcomings and failures of Government," Mr McDonagh said.