Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1962

Vol. 197 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Language on Telefís Éireann.

127.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether his attention has been drawn to the many statements made over the past three months by bodies such as Connradh na Gaeilge, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Gael-Linn, etc., with regard to the unsatisfactory treatment of the Irish language on Telefís Éireann; what responsibility he has in relation to the discharge of his duties regarding the national language by Telefís Éireann; and whether he has any comment to make on the various statements made by these bodies.

128.

Mr. Rooney

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he has required Telefís Éireann recently to increase the use of the Irish language in television programmes; and if in view of the fact that many licence holders who are unable to understand programmes in Irish will be obliged to turn to other television stations he will reconsider the whole position of the use of Irish on Telefís Éireann programmes.

Mr. Hilliard

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to deal with Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

I have seen statements by various bodies and individuals regarding the use of the Irish language on Telefís Éireann.

By the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, the Authority is given the maximum freedom regarding programmes and Section 17 places on it the obligation of bearing constantly in mind the national aim of restoring the Irish language and of endeavouring to promote the attainment of this aim.

I believe the Authority should be given time to set up the service—the provincial transmitters are not yet in operation—and to explore all the possibilities, financial and otherwise, before it can reasonably be criticised for failure in any particular direction. I know the Authority is concerned about the language position and has already noticeably increased the Irish content of the programmes.

Mr. T. Lynch

That is what is troubling many of the viewers.