The Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte says everyone will have to pay a new broadcasting charge to replace the TV licence regardless of whether or not they own a television.

The Minister told the Dail that he is due to receive a value-for-money report on on the best way of implementing the new broadcasting charge at the end of March.

The new system is designed to take account of the fact that a growing number of people do not own a TV set and view their television content on mobile devices such smartphones or tablets.

Minister Rabbitte said the new charge will be imposed on every home in the country once its implemented.

No new privacy law

The Minister also says the introduction of a privacy law would be an unwarranted interference in Irish media.

Pat Rabbitte says that he has no plans to introduce such legislation.

A privacy law was drafted by the former Justice Minister Michael McDowell - however it was put on hold following the introduction of the Press Council.

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter said he would revisit the Bill following the publication of topless photographs of Kate Middleton last year.

But Minister Rabbitte - who is to be given new powers over the media later this year - says there is no need for a new privacy law.