asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make available copies of the news in English broadcast on 7th November, 1960, from Radio Éireann and also a copy of the "Topical Talk" broadcast on the same date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Broadcast.
55.
It has been the practice for many years not to make copies of Radio Éireann news reports or programme scripts available to members of the Oireachtas or indeed to anybody outside the broadcasting service, and I see no reason why that practice should now be modified.
Is the Minister aware that the authorities in Northern Ireland and Britain will make copies of scripts available to anybody who might apply for them? Does the Minister not think that a member of Dáil Éireann would be entitled to ask for a copy of a script and to get it, considering that we are the people who vote the money?
Do I understand the Deputy to say that the responsible Ministers in the other administrations mentioned make copies of scripts available?
I applied to Radio Éireann for a script and I got a letter from a Mr. O'Doherty saying that he would not make it available to me. Therefore, I am using my privilege, my Parliamentary right, as a member of this House to ask that these scripts be made available.
I am following the practice which has been followed in answering questions of a similar nature in this House over the years and I have given what is practically a similar answer.
Would the Minister not consider that it would be well that Radio Éireann should be made answerable to the Deputies of this House?
I note that the Deputy is not repeating the statement that other broadcasting authorities make scripts available.
We are the people who vote the money and we should be entitled to have these scripts available.
The Deputy is making a statement. Question No. 56.
I give notice that I shall raise the subject matter of this Question on the adjournment.