asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if any decision has yet been taken by him with regard to whether RTE will be State-controlled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Status of RTE.
58.
I would refer the Deputy to my statement in the Dáil on 10th May last, introducing the Estimate for my Department. In that, I indicated the nature of the relation between the State and RTE which I consider to be desirable, and which will be reflected in more detail in the broadcasting legislation which I shall introduce in the New Year.
I drafted that answer in response to the Deputy's question as it appears on the Order Paper, but I understand from a conversation I had with him that what he intended to ask and what he sent in was whether RTE 2 will be State-controlled. As I indicated in reply to previous questions, I have not yet made a decision as to whether RTE 2 will be set up or not, but I do not envisage for it, if it is set up, a status significantly different in relation to the State from that of RTE.
Could the Minister tell us whether or not he will be in a position to make an announcement on the establishment of RTE 2 before Christmas?
I am sorry if I sound a bit Delphic in this reply. I hope to be able to make a statement, which will have a bearing on the matter, certainly before Christmas, and I hope to be in a position to take a decision which will expedite the coming into operation of RTE 2, if that is the course decided upon, or expedite an alternative course of action, if that is decided. The Deputy will, I think, understand.