asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his attention has been directed to a statement issued by the Central Office of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association asking Telefís Éireann to cease its misuse of the pioneer badge as a visual aid; and whether, as a result, he will now take steps to prevent Telefís Éireann from misusing the Pioneer pin in a disrespectful manner in view of the fact that this has occurred on at least three occasions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pioneer Badge on Television Programmes.
41.
I have seen press reports of the statement referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the use of the Pioneer emblem on the occasion of the television presentation of the play complained of was in accordance with the stage directions of the author. I know that the Radio Éireann Authority would not wish in any of its programmes to imply a denigration of an association held in such general esteem as the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, and it would very much regret if any such impression was given in this particular instance.