asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that in the 6.30 p.m. news bulletin from Radio Éireann on Sunday, 6th May, 1956, the usual summary of the day's sports results was omitted and that the omission caused widespread annoyance and indignation, especially amongst the followers of Gaelic games, and, if so, if he will state (a) the reason for the omission, and (b) what steps he has taken to ensure that such an omission does not occur again.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting of Sports Results.
The Director of Broadcasting has informed me that the summary of sports results referred to by the Deputy was regrettably omitted as the announcer found when reading the 6.30 p.m. bulletin that this and some other items could not have been included, without exceeding the allotted time. There were many important news items to report on that date. The sports summary was, however, broadcast specially during the course of Provincial News Round-Up which begins at 6.45 p.m. and the Gaelic Athletic Association results were broadcast in the usual way at 10.0 p.m. in the Gaelic Sports News.
As normal practice, every effort is made to include all important news reports of interest to listeners but the bulletins are prepared under conditions of pressure and occasional omissions are practically unavoidable.
Will the Minister give an assurance that no further insult will be offered to Gaelic sports followers throughout the country by any official in Radio Éireann?
That is an unworthy suggestion.
Tipperary was not playing that day at all.