asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in view of the necessity for giving the maximum encouragement to the preservation and development of our national music, he will arrange for the inclusion of short broadcasts by ceilidhe bands from various counties as a regular feature from Radio Eireann, each evening of the week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ceilidhe Band Broadcasts.
I do not propose to have arrangements made on the lines suggested by the Deputy. The high expense, among other considerations, would not be warranted, particularly in present circumstances. Irish dance music is well catered for at present, being broadcast on an average three times a week. Apart from dance music, national music is a regular feature in programmes contributed by the Irish Radio Orchestra, An Ceol Chumann and various branches of the Gaelic League. Every prominence is given to new compositions and new arrangements by our leading musicians. I am sending the Deputy a copy of the Radio Éireann annual report for 1940 which will give him full information as to what is being done.