asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is his intention to reopen the Cork Broadcasting Station with a view to the broadcasting of at least one programme weekly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Broadcasting Station.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he will state if he is prepared to reopen the Cork Broadcasting Station in view of the request made to him to do so by leading citizens representing all classes.
Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. Connolly)
It is not proposed to reopen the programme side of the Cork Broadcasting Station as the considerable expenditure which the keeping of a programme staff there would involve would not be warranted. The studio at the station is, however, being retained, and applications from local artistes for broadcasting engagements receive favourable consideration so far as general programme requirements permit.
Is the Minister prepared to undertake that if an application is made on special occasions by representative citizens of Cork the broadcasting station will be opened for the purpose indicated in the question?
Mr. Connolly
I think that system already prevails. On any special occasion when an application for broadcasting is made from Cork, it will have the consideration of the Department.
Am I to take it that the Minister wants to suggest that it is in Dublin alone all the culture is concentrated and we in Cork are not going to have any consideration at all? Is this also part of the policy of centralisation that the Minister and the Government are so sweet upon? Do they want to centralise everything in Dublin?
No, in Athlone.
Mr. Connolly
I would like to point out to Deputy Anthony that broadcasting requires special concentration. We are not yet in a position to say what the arrangements with regard to Cork will be when we open the Athlone station. The position with regard to Cork, when the Athlone station is opened, is under review. If there is any further information that the Deputy requires we will look into the matter. I am not disposed to discuss with Deputy Anthony now the relative cultural merits of Cork or Dublin, or, for that matter, my native city of Belfast.
While appreciating the Minister's answer, might I again put my first question? Is this part of the policy of centralisation which the Minister and the Government have pursued up to the present?
Mr. Connolly
I suggest that matter hardly arises on the Deputy's original question.