asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the interests of the majority of listeners to Radio Éireann, he is prepared to have broadcast commentaries on the Railway Cup matches in hurling and football in future, if necessary at the expense of concerts and recitals of music not of Irish composition.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Railway Cup Matches.
Questions of this kind would be best dealt with if addressed, at least in the first instance, to the Director of Broadcasting.
It is the general practice to broadcast important Gaelic Athletic Association matches played in Dublin. The Director of Broadcasting is in close touch with the Gaelic Athletic Association regarding the question of matches to be broadcast, and the association is quite satisfied with the present position. It would be impossible for me to give any undertaking with regard to the alteration of radio programmes, because programmes must be planned a long time in advance, and alterations would give rise to serious difficulties.
Is the Minister aware that 95 per cent. of the listening public would like to see the present programmes altered—and drastically?
Will the broadcast on St. Patrick's Day be in Irish?
There is more Irish now in the broadcasting programme than ever before.
Will the broadcast on St. Patrick's Day be in Irish?
Of the matches?
Yes.
I do not know. That, again, is a question that would best be addressed to the Director of Broadcasting.