asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether William B. Ziff was invited or permitted to speak on Radio Éireann during the last 12 months; and if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Broadcast.
Mr. Ziff was not invited or permitted to speak on Radio Éireann during the last 12 months. At the request of the Columbia Broadcasting Company he was, however, granted permission to use a studio here for a broadcast to America in November last. Studio facilities required by other broadcasting companies for speakers whom they wish to broadcast are normally granted on request. In accordance with our policy, Mr. Ziff very kindly submitted his manuscript to the Radio Éireann authorities and the report to me was that there was nothing contrary to the national interest contained therein.
Am I to understand from the Minister that the observations of this Zionist-Communist agent were not broadcast——
That is a lie. He is not a Communist. He was never a Communist and you know it.
I now see the source from which this treasure was imported into this country.
The Deputy has a supplementary question to ask?
Yes, and I expect the protection of the Chair from the observations of Mr. Ziff's friend, Deputy Briscoe, that something is a lie.
It is a lie.
The Deputy will withdraw the expression that it is a lie.
I refuse to withdraw it because he knows it is a lie.
Then I must ask the Deputy to withdraw from the House.
I shall leave the House.
Deputy Briscoe withdrew from the Chamber.
The Deputy should be aware of sinister and self-interested sources of information.
Am I to understand from the Minister that this warrior was not accorded the accommodation of the wavelength controlled by Radio Eireann but was simply accommodated at the request of some station to publish his Communist propaganda in the United States of America?
The Deputy heard my answer.