andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what provisions are to be made for the use of Radio Éireann by the political parties during the course of the Election campaign.
60.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Election Broadcasts and Telecasts.
59.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether in view of the reported satisfactory progress of the television services it is expected that television facilities will be available for political party telecasts during the course of the Election campaign.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together. Political party broadcasts are a matter for arrangement directly between Radio Éireann and the political Parties. I understand that Radio Éireann intends to initiate discussions shortly with the political Parties about such broadcasts in the coming election campaign. I am not in a position to say whether facilities for political party broadcasts on television will be available before the election.
When the Minister states there will be some negotiations with political Parties I hope he includes Independents who number nine. We can select someone among ourselves. I want the Minister to remember that there are nine of us and that we have a point of view.
The Deputy is making a speech, not asking a question.