The Minister for Communications says the new broadcasting charge is necessary because of changes in technolog and high evasion rates in Ireland.

Minister Pat Rabbitte has also confirmed that owners of second homes will not pay extra under the new Public Service Broadcasting charge.

It comes as the public is being asked for its input into the replacement for the television licence. The Minister has launched a consultation paper on the charge.

While the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is urging the public to get involved in the campaign and is launching a separate consultation on its new draft strategy today.

BAI Chairperson Bob Collins says the plan has to reflect the enormous change in the Irish broadcasting sector.

And he told Newstalk's Louise Kelly that people are still consuming TV in traditional ways.

The Minister says he is looking at using the Revenue Commissioners as one possible way to collect the new tax.

He also says there will be a proportionate arrangement for businesses which would mean large hotels would pay more than smaller ones.

Up to 20% of people are not paying their TV license and the new charge will apply to all households and businesses where people access TV regardless of the device they use.

It is in a bid to tackle the growth in people streaming and downloading who may not use traditional means of receiving a signal.

Minister Rabbitte has admitted that the charge is an unpopular move. But he told Breakfast here on Newstalk that the government has to keep up with the times.