asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the widespread public indignation that in a discussion on Telefís Éireann on 17th January last in which self-disclosed spokesmen for the Fianna Fáil and Labour parties participated and in which Fine Gael were not represented partisan attacks on Fine Gael were made by both party spokesmen, he will now state the steps being taken to ensure that fair representation is given in political discussions in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telefís Éireann Political Discussions.
105.
Mr. Ryan
I am not aware of any widespread public indignation as mentioned by the Deputy and I do not see the need for any special action on my part.
I am informed that the programme in question was one of the "Talking Point" series to which young people are invited to present their views on selected subjects, that on this occasion "Politics" was the subject for discussion and that the terms of reference excluded argument on a Political Party basis. The three speakers were selected quite impartially out of a panel of speakers thought suitable for participation in such a discussion. In fact when two of the speakers disclosed their political affiliations the Chairman interrupted the discussion to indicate that none of the participants was representing a political party and the programme then resumed its proper course.
Is the Minister quite sure that that information is correct? The Minister said that when the interest of two of the speakers in the two political Parties mentioned was disclosed, the chairman interrupted. Is the Minister quite right in that?
That is right. That is the information I have from the Broadcasting Authority. I was not looking at the programme.
I was, but I do not recollect that.
Is the Minister aware that if all the Parties were to get representation, Independents should not be left out because we play a vital part in sustaining the political and economic position of the country at the moment?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy would appear to be the stay and prop of the turnover tax.
Of economic and political stability.
Question No. 106 postponed.