asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the Director of Broadcasting has declined to publish the detailed results of the last listener inquiry conducted by Radio Éireann; if in view of the relevance of that inquiry to the current debate on the proposed establishment of a new radio and television authority he will have the matter reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Listener Inquiry Report.
28.
Mr. Ryan
I understand that the 1955 listener research inquiry was undertaken primarily to provide Radio Éireann with information and assistance in connection with the planning of programmes. Furthermore the length of time that has elapsed since the research was carried out has put the statistics rather out of date and in the circumstances I cannot see that any interest would be served by publishing them in detail now.
I may add that a summary of the results of the inquiry was issued to the press in June, 1955. I am arranging to have a copy sent to the Deputy.
Mr. Ryan
Could the Minister say why he did not give that answer when I asked the question a week ago? Would the Minister say why Radio Éireann has refused to state the cost of this inquiry, seeing that the cost was borne by the taxpayers?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy has any question to ask Radio Éireann, he should take the matter up with Radio Éireann.
Mr. Ryan
In view of the considerable public interest in radio and television programmes in general, does the Minister not think it would be appropriate at this stage to publish the results of that inquiry as they would obviously have a bearing on the programmes which will be put on in the near future?
I should prefer to see the authorities in Radio Éireann undertake a new inquiry.
Why not publish the old one?
It is out of date.