asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that a payment of three guineas is insufficient for an artist who is invited to broadcast from the Dublin Studio and who has to travel from County Galway; and whether he will require the broadcasting authorities to allow such artists reasonable travelling expenses in addition to their fee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Fees.
The fees paid to artists for broadcasts vary and are fixed mainly upon the programme value of the performance. If, however, travelling is involved, it is also taken into account. In the case of Galway artists, arrangements are as far as possible made to enable them to broadcast from Galway.
Does the Minister think it reasonable to give an artist a fee of £3 3s. when his railway fare and living expenses in Dublin amount to a sum substantially in excess of £3 3s.? Would he not consider instructing the broadcasting authorities that they might also pay vouched expenses in addition to the fee?
My information is that fees include some of the travelling expenses. However, I shall have the matter of the payment of sufficient expenses examined.