asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that during the course of the feature Review of Plays of Radio and Stage on 20th January last, criticisms of such a nature were levelled at a pantomime staged recently in Cork as to cause great resentment among the people of that city; and whether the script of the review was approved beforehand; and, if not, if he will ensure that in future such unjust criticisms are not made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Criticism of Cork Pantomime.
69.
I would suggest that inquiries and complaints of this kind about programme matters should be made to the Director of Broadcasting who is always ready to deal with them.
In the particular case under notice, however, I am not aware that the review referred to by the Deputy caused resentment among the people of Cork.
Is the Minister not aware that the comments made by this reviewer were highly offensive in relation to the production and performances of the plays in Cork city during Christmas time, and would the Minister not now at this stage enquire again as to why this person finds it suitable to castigate the people and those concerned with the plays in Cork city?
Is the Minister aware that the show referred to ran for a long number of weeks before packed houses in Cork and was therefore acceptable to, and enjoyed by, the people of Cork who feel that they were slandered by the criticism offered on Radio Éireann in relation to that show?
My answer is that this is solely a matter for the Radio Éireann authority and one in which I as Minister do not interfere.
The remaining Questions for oral answer will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.