I understand the motion that I have put down on the subject of wireless broadcasting is being accepted by the Postmaster-General. In view of the fact that there is no opposition, could that motion be taken now and dispensed with?
PRIVATE BUSINESS. - WIRELESS BROADCASTING.
If the motion is unopposed it could be taken now. My information, on the authority of the Postmaster-General, is that Deputy Figgis insists upon a discussion. That, apparently, has now been remedied.
I am not insisting upon a discussion. If this motion of mine, as it stands, is accepted, I am quite prepared that there should be no discussion.
The motion is being accepted. I desire the fullest possible investigation into the preliminary stages of this effort of ours to devise a scheme for broadcasting. I welcome the appointment of a Committee. My only desire is that no unnecessary time would be lost in coming to business. It is very important for the sake of broadcasting, and it is particularly important because of the fact that notwithstanding our efforts broadcasting sets are being sneaked into this country without a possibility of detection. This matter should be got over without delay. I accept the motion though I do not quite agree with the wording of the second portion.
I therefore move:—
"That a Committee of this Dáil be appointed to consider the circular addressed to Deputies entitled `Wireless Broadcasting,' especially in regard to the proposal by which it is intended that the State should pass over the right to licence and tax incoming wireless apparatus to a Clearing House under the control of a private company, the Committee to consist of nine Deputies to be nominated by the Committee of Selection and to be reported to the Dáil before January 16th, 1924."
I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
As far as we are concerned, we are most anxious to go ahead at once. It is purely a matter of accommodation for the members of the Committee of Selection. Presumably they will not get going before the re-assembly of the Dáil. In any case the Committee should be sanctioned by the Dáil and we will not have an opportunity of doing that before January 10th.
I could arrange to have a meeting of the Committee of Selection for January 10th and the nominations could be reported to the Dáil on that day.
I am quite agreeable to that course.
As one of the members of the Committee of Selection, January 10th will suit admirably.