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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Apr 1954

Vol. 145 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Staff.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (1) the number of non-nationals employed by Radio Éireann from March, 1953, to March, 1954; (2) the total salaries paid to them, and (3) the total allowances paid to them.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I am issuing a tabular statement giving the general staff position of Radio Éireann including the information required by the Deputy.

Following is the statement:—

30/6/48

30/6/51

31/3/53

31/3/54

Non-Nationals

13

17

26

31

Nationals

213

217

219

293

226

234

245

324

The following statement shows the total expenditure on salaries, wages and allowances in certain years and the annual rate of salaries and allowances being paid to non-nationals on certain dates in those years. (Actual figures of salaries and allowances paid to non-nationals are not readily available).

Year

Staff Expenditure

Rate of expenditure on Non-Nationals

Date

Salaries

Allowances

£

£

1948/49

96,484

30/6/48

6,136

1,742

1950/51

110,238

30/6/51

10,591

390

1952/53

139,834

31/3/53

16,617

520

1953/54

200,000

31/3/54

24,546

Nil

(Estimate Provision)

It will be noted that with the exception of the choir master, all the non-national staff are in the two orchestras and the vast majority in the symphony orchestra.

Nineteen nationals left the orchestra of whom nine resigned or were retired through marriage, age limit, etc., or reasons not related to competence.

Ten non-nationals left of whom two were asked to resign but some others left knowing their services would be terminated.

In the period the orchestra was increased to a total of 70.

Twenty-six nationals were recruited of whom 15 joined within the last 18 months while 14 non-nationals joined the orchestra.

In accordance with a direction by the Minister the permanent nationals in the orchestra will retain their positions until retirement if their standard of musicianship remains at present level.

The number of semi-permanent nationals employed permanently are as follows:— 30/6/51, 31; 31/3/54, 35. In addition, there are a fluctuating number of purely temporary players the present number being seven.

There are vacancies for all instruments in the two orchestras to be filled by Irish nationals. An audition will be held in July. There are 11 new posts now available since March 31st, 1953.

The above totals do not include 18 regular student players who receive no remuneration, all of whom are nationals.

Could the Minister say if the large number of non-nationals employed by Radio Éireann had any influence in preventing the G.A.A. having a broadcast on St. Patrick's Day?

That is nonsense, of course. The Deputy might like to know that, during his period of office, he appointed as many non-nationals as nationals.

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