asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether in view of the continued and persistent exhibition of a high proportion of shoddy and superficial imported films with a high content of brutality and violence on Telefís Éireann he will consider requesting the TE authorities in the public interest to increase the programme content of home-produced programmes in order to secure a total exclusion of violence exhibited as entertainment on TV screens in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Violence in Television Films.
70.
I referred to this subject in my reply to the debate on the Estimate for my Department on April 4th last. Television programmes are the responsibility of the Broadcasting Authority and I feel the Authority can be trusted to ensure that a representation of undue violence will not be permitted.
Is the Minister aware that this week a Telefís Éireann announcer disclosed that a number of children had lost their sight as a result of accidents from toy revolvers and bows and arrows because, he said, they had been imitating the violent scenes they had witnessed on the screens? Would the Minister not agree that he should tell Telefís Éireann to desist from putting these violent scenes on the screen, which are misleading the children?
I do not agree with the Deputy at all.
That is a fact. The Minister does not watch Telefís Éireann.
Would the Minister say whether or not he has any responsibility for the type of programmes shown on Telefís Éireann?
The only responsibility I have got is the responsibility contained in the 1960 Act.
(Interruptions.)
Everything has its price.
Deputy Dr. Browne should cease interrupting. I have called Question No. 71.
Has the Minister any responsibility for the programmes?
I have the responsibility which is imposed upon me by the 1960 Act.
You get the money to run the place but you do not let us ask how it is going to be run.