asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why the result of the Munster Junior Cup Final between Young Munster and Sundays Well was not given after the 6.30 p.m. news on Sunday, 1st May; and what is the fixed policy of Radio Éireann with regard to the broadcasting of sports results.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting of Sports Results.
29.
This is a purely programme matter which should really have been addressed to the Director of Broadcasting. However, I have ascertained from Radio Éireann that in the very limited time available for sports results in the news bulletins the results of only the major sports events can be given. This means that the results are confined to those of senior events of importance except in special circumstances.
The final query in the Deputy's question is of too broad a nature to reply to precisely but I am sure if he makes enquiry from Radio Éireann in a little more detail he will be given the information he requires.
30.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the public's anxiety to have the racing results and prices of English races (as well as Irish) given at 6.20 p.m. from Radio Éireann, particularly in view of the increasing successes of Irish horses in cross-channel events and the consequent news-value of such information; if he will bring the matter to the attention of Radio Éireann; and if he is further aware that ample time exists on the programme at this hour, as an average of five minutes is devoted to dull classical selections of music with no appeal to the sporting public.
31.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will bring to the attention of Radio Éireann the public's desire to have starting prices given with the racing results at 6.20 p.m., particularly since the programme which featured these results and prices has ceased.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions 30 and 31 together.
I would prefer at this stage, when a new Statutory Authority for broadcasting and television is to be set up within a matter of weeks, not to make any suggestion to Radio Éireann about altering existing station practice in regard to programme matters such as starting prices. The Deputy could approach the Authority in the matter a little later, if he feels it desirable. I may say at the same time that I understand that some discussions are taking place about the possibility of providing a late evening racing results feature somewhat similar to that formerly provided by the Hospitals' Trust in its sponsored programme.
Would the Minister say what he means by late evening? What time would that be?
That is a matter for the new Authority.
It is not a matter for any new Authority. Further arising from the Minister's reply, the Chairman of Radio Éireann, in 1955, made a statement which said that the main functions of Radio Éireann are to provide information, entertainment and educational programmes to satisfy the needs of listeners.
Quotations are not allowed during Question Time.
Is the Minister aware that the Chairman of Radio Éireann made a statement that their main function was to provide information as required by Irish listeners? Is he further aware that he is legally responsible to ensure that this information is given to the listeners?
The Deputy should be aware that it was not the policy of Radio Éireann to give the starting prices of races.
It is not?
It was not.
Is it the policy to give the starting prices of Irish races?
It is not.
That is a good one.
Would the Minister undertake to give advance information about the winners in future?
They broadcast what the people do not want to listen to.