The Government has apparently scrapped the planned €160 broadcasting charge.

The proposed charge was to be a replacement for the TV licence fee, and would be imposed on all eligible households, regardless of whether they owned a television or not.

It was due to be introduced in January.

However according to the Irish Mail on Sunday, Fine Gael ministers have now confirmed it has been scrapped.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Communications Michael Moynihan says the Government 'needs to come clean' about their plans:

The charge was set to apply to all households and businesses where people access TV regardless of the device they use.

Part of the reasoning behind the charge was to reflect the growth in people streaming and downloading who may not use traditional means of receiving a signal.