asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the general complaint that Radio Éireann is now being used through its news bulletins for direct political attacks against the Opposition Party, and whether he will place in the Oireachtas Library copies of the news bulletins broadcast from Radio Éireann over the period of the last four weeks to enable Deputies to have full information in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Broadcasts.
I am not aware of any general complaint that Radio Éireann is being used through its news bulletins for direct political attacks against the Opposition Party nor am I am aware that there have been any such attacks. I am not prepared to place copies of the bulletins in the Library. The broadcasting bulletins are, of course, available to everybody over the air.
Would the Minister make further inquiries to make sure that the news bulletin does not carry any direct political attacks and give us an assurance that it will not happen in future?
If the Deputy will give me a specific case, instead of asking a general question, it will give me an opportunity to investigate his complaint. I can assure the Deputy and the House that the broadcasting service will not be used, and is not being used, to attack any of the different Parties.
The Minister should listen to the news occasionally.
Give us a specific case.
Certainly. The broadcast of the Fine Gael Ard-Fheis.
If the Deputy has any specific instance——
I have given one. The proceedings of the Fine Gael Ard-Fheis were broadcast even though the proceedings of the Clann na Poblachta Ard-Fheis were not.
I have assured the Deputy that the broadcasting service will not be used in the interests of any political Party. If, however, Ministers are doing a certain service to the country, they will get a broadcast which other Deputies who are not giving any such service will not get.
Is the Minister not aware that there was a direct attack on the administration of the Post Office last week—an attack on his own Department? I was listening to it.
If the Deputy gives me a particular case——
I have given one.
I shall not interfere with broadcasting in any way except to ensure that fair play is given to all Parties in the country.
I will get the particulars and send them on to the Minister.
The Minister might get——
Question No. 18.