asked the Minister for Defence what definite undertaking as stated by him in the Dáil on the 3rd November, 1960, was given to his Department by the producer of the programme Civil Defence, 1960 which was to have been broadcast by Radio Éireann on the 23rd October, 1960; what was the date on which the undertaking was given and the form in which it was given; and if he will place in the Library a copy of any correspondence between his Department and the producer on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Defence Broadcast.
27.
The producer in question gave several undertakings to my Department. He first telephoned an official of my Department on 20 Mean Fómhair, 1960 to request an interview on the matter, and when he was informed that the preliminary discussion would be held with a view to ascertaining the precise nature of the proposed broadcast so that it could be submitted for Departmental approval, the producer stated that he would gladly fall in with the Department's views on the matter of the broadcast. At the first interview which he had with an officer of my Department on 24 Mean Fómhair, 1960, the producer stated that he would co-operate fully with the Department in ensuring that the questions to be put at the interviews would be designed to bring out answers dealing with points which the Department regarded as important. On 29 Mean Fómhair, 1960, the producer undertook that he would give representatives of An Roinn Cosanta the opportunity of hearing the programme in the form in which he intended that it should be broadcast, so that any final editing necessary could be mutually agreed. This latter undertaking was repeated at further discussions on the 7 and 13 Deireadh Fómhair, 1960 and in a telephone conversation with an officer of my Department on the 17th idem. At the discussion on 13 Deireadh Fómhair, 1960 the producer also promised that certain important points made in support of Civil Defence by An Stiurthóir Cosanta Sibhialta in his recorded interview, and which were specifically brought to the producer's notice, would be retained in the final recording.
In the final programme as heard by me at Radio Éireann on 22 Deireadh Fómhair, 1960 it was clear that the producer had not adhered to even one of the several promises and undertakings which he had given to my Department.
As all of the arrangements for the Radio feature were made orally with the producer there was no written correspondence between him and my Department.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that this journalist, who is a reputable journalist, in keeping with the dignity of his profession, said that while he would be prepared to listen to and receive the advice of the various officials, he reserved the right to edit the programme and present it in his own way? Is it not true that that was agreed to?
Neither of the Deputy's statements is true. I have given the true facts as they were given to me by responsible and entirely trustworthy officials of my Department, in whom I have the fullest confidence. I know that this was the position as it was understood both by the officials of the Department and the producer throughout the whole proceedings.
Mr. Ryan
Would you, Sir, consider discussing with the Committee of Procedure and Privileges the action of the Minister in the statements he made under the privilege of this House?
That is an entirely different matter.
Mr. Ryan
Will the Minister not repeat in public what he has said here?
Deputies
Order!
The Deputy will resume his seat. He is endeavouring to raise questions which have no relevance to the matter before the House.
Mr. Ryan
Will the Minister repeat what he said outside?
I am calling the next question.