asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the statement made by the Radio Éireann Authority in their recent report to the effect that the Authority are finding it impossible to finance the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra, he will consider proposals to relieve Radio Éireann of the responsibility for maintaining the Orchestra; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra.
23.
Radio Éireann derives its income mainly from advertising and from grants equivalent to the net receipts from broadcasting licence fees, but under Section 22 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, it may be paid additional non-repayable grants not exceeding £500,000 during the five years ending 31st March, 1965.
As I explained in this House on the Second Stage of the Bill these additional grants were intended to provide for the smooth hand-over to the new Authority of the sound broadcasting service which was being subsidised to the extent of about £130,000 per annum in respect of services formerly provided free by the Post Office and other Government Departments. I also said that it was known that the Authority would have to incur additional expense on superannuation and depreciation.
The maximum amount of the subsidies payable to the Authority during the first five years of its existence was fixed on the understanding that the Authority would be taking over responsibility for the cost of the Symphony Orchestra.
In the circumstances, I could not agree that a special grants should be paid to the Authority in respect of the Symphony Orchestra or that the Authority should be otherwise relieved of financial responsibility for maintaining the Orchestra.
Would the Minister not consider asking the Authority to try to induce some sponsors to use the Symphony Orchestra either on Telefís Éireann or on Radio Éireann?
That is not in this question.
It is a simple request. Would the Minister care to consider it?
I shall bring it to the notice of the Authority.