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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1943

Vol. 89 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Fees.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the increased fees, if any, which have been paid to script writers and playwrights by Radio Eireann since the passing, on the 26th November last, of the Supplementary Estimate for Wireless Broadcasting.

It would not be possible to give the information asked for without going into considerable detail regarding expenditure on various features. Since additional moneys were made available in November last, fees generally for writers of plays, etc., have been increased and all the funds provided for the purpose in the current financial year will be expended by the 31st proximo.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will say what minimum and maximum fee is paid by Radio Eireann in respect of (a) scripts for talks of 15 minutes' duration, and (b) plays of 30 minutes' duration; and what production fee is paid for the latter.

The fees paid for scripts of talks of 15 minutes' duration range from £2 to £4 according to the importance of the subject and the status of the contributor. For original plays of 30 minutes' duration, the fees vary from £3 to £4 or £5, according to the merit of the play and the status of the writer. The fees paid to producers of such plays range from £2 to £3. Considerably higher fees would be paid in special circumstances.

Will the Minister say what deduction is made from these fees if a broadcast play finishes a half a minute or a minute before the appointed time?

I could not answer that question.

It is a separate question.

It certainly affects the amount of fees paid and I understand it is a practice.

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