asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, to encourage the employment of Irish artistes on Radio Éireann, he will ensure that they are given a fair percentage of the sponsored programmes, as with the exception of one sponsored programme nearly all these entertainments at present are gramophone recordings which result in the major profits from royalties thereon accruing to outside sources in most cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Eireann—Employment of Irish Artists.
The firms advertising on Radio Éireann have to supply the supporting musical programmes, at their own expense. The total cost of the advertising, between broadcasting fees and programme costs, is, consequently, fairly heavy, even with the use of commercial records; so that the broadcasting authorities are naturally slow to insist on the employment of "live" artistes, involving advertisers in outlay which some of them may not be in a position to undertake. However, we would like very much that any firms that can afford the cost would engage Irish artistes of good standard for at least part of their programme and we have taken the opportunity from time to time of urging on individual advertisers the desirability of doing so as far as practicable. I hope we may see some further development in that direction.
Whether the programmes are made up of commercial records or personal performances, I consider that advertisers should aim at a good standard, and I believe that, by doing so, they will not lose the popular appeal necessary for the advertisement of goods.
If one sponsored programme is able to use Irish artistes— and apparently it is economically possible — why could not the other sponsored programmes do the same? The Mitchelstown Creamery sponsored programme consists of practically all Irish artistes and I do not see why other sponsored programmes could not use Irish artistes also.
The Deputy is asking for information on matters which would be better raised on the Estimate. I can tell the Deputy that I have addressed the advertisers concerned. I have done everything in my power to try to increase the number of live programmes whether of Irish or foreign music and get them produced in this country under Irish auspices. A number of sponsors produce their programmes here whether or not they use Irish music. I am commending the programmes consisting of Irish music to every advertiser.
When you made those recommendations, what was the reply as a result of which they do not engage or retain Irish artistes?
The reply was that they felt that from a commercial point of view they were better served by the programmes they were using.
An example should be set by Radio Éireann to those advertisers by having Irish artistes employed.
The Deputy is asking a very large question, and he is aware that Radio Éireann employs a very large number of Irish artistes.
Is there any vacancy for the Minister for Finance?