asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether his attention has been drawn to the discussion on the position of the Irish language in the new television service which took place at the annual meeting of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge on 18th November, and the grave doubts expressed during this discussion as to whether programmes in Irish would be encouraged in the new service; and whether he will investigate the methods employed by the Broadcasting Authority up to the present to fulfil the provisions of the Broadcasting Authority Act in respect to the Irish language.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Authority Act: Programmes in Irish.
57.
I have seen Press reports of the matter referred to in the question. Under Section 17 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, the Authority, in performing its functions, is required to bear constantly in mind the national aim of restoring the Irish language and to endeavour to promote the attainment of this aim. I have no reason to think that the Authority is unmindful of its obligations in this respect and I do not therefore intend to carry out an investigation as suggested by the Deputy.
58.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether the Broadcasting Authority have as yet appointed any person to take charge of programmes in the Irish language (a) for children and (b) for adults; if so, at what date this appointment was made; and, if not, whether any such appointment is contemplated.
The appointment of its officers is a statutory function of the Broadcasting Authority. I would, therefore, suggest to the Deputy that he address his inquiry to Radio Éireann.
Will the Minister give any guarantee that there will be a reply to such an inquiry?
Question No. 59.
I cannot give any guarantee——
The Minister is answering my question and I cannot hear him.
The Deputy is asking for a guarantee that an independent authority will give a reply. I could not give such a guarantee.