asked the Taoiseach when the period of the current contract with Markpress will expire; if it is intended to renew it or if he will take steps to replace the current arrangement with an Irish based and controlled news agency and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Markpress Contract.
1.
The current agreement is due to expire on the 14th May, 1973. A decision on the question of renewing the agreement does not arise at present.
Does the Taoiseach not agree that a relative consideration is the way in which the operation is working at present? It would appear from unfavourable publicity and comment abroad that at best the Markpress operation is ineffective, that it is not giving value for money and that, possibly, it is harmful and misdirected? Will he bear these factors in mind in studying the operation? Would the Taoiseach give an indication as to who or what desk or Department is responsible for co-operating with and furnishing information to Markpress here at home? Would he make available in the Dáil Library the documentation which is being passed from Ireland to Markpress, and by Markpress to the rest of the world, so that Deputies can make an objective assessment of the way in which the money is being spent?
So far as the suggestions contained in the first part of the Deputy's supplementaries are concerned, if these criticisms were, in fact, valid, naturally, that would be a consideration in continuing the contract, but I do not believe that the criticism is as serious as the Deputy appears to suggest. There has been some criticism certainly. So far as responsibility is concerned, it is under the Department of the Taoiseach with co-operation given by the Government Information Bureau, which is also within the ambit of the Department of the Taoiseach, and the Department of Foreign Affairs. I am satisfied that there is good liaison between all three. So far as the dissemination of the subject matter is concerned and its availability to Deputies, that is a matter that can be considered.
Would the Taoiseach accept that, by its very nature, any information being delivered by the Irish Government or their agencies to Markpress is not confidential, and that likewise anything released by Markpress is not confidential and, on that account, no disservice would be done to the State by making it available? Indeed, it is the only way in which Deputies can ascertain whether or not, when this matter comes up for renewal, they should vote to provide the money for this operation.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied that the Department of Foreign Affairs are co-operating as they should with Markpress?
That is a separate question.
I am, yes.
Is he satisfied that Markpress are co-operating with the Department of Foreign Affairs? That is more to the point.