asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the sum paid in fees to Mr. Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh for the series of talks delivered by him from Radio Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann: Fees for Talks.
41.
The talks referred to by the Deputy took place while the broadcasting service was legally under my control but, as Deputies are aware, it was not then the Minister's practice to interfere in matters of programme detail. Apart from that, it would be contrary to general practice based on the public interest to disclose such confidential information relating to a contract between the State and a particular person. For these reasons I am not prepared to give the information sought.
But surely the Minister gave us in detail the fees paid to a person giving topical talks?
That question had no reference to an individual and had no mention whatever of a contract.