asked the Minister for Communications if he will outline the proposed development of Raidio na Gaeltachta, the number of hours now broadcasting; and the range of the overall network.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Raidio Na Gaeltachta.
4.
RTE have been given approval to increase the hours of broadcasting on Raidio na Gaeltachta to allow broadcasting to commence at 8 a.m. each weekday morning instead of 11 a.m. at present, thereby increasing maximum approved broadcasting hours on Raidio na Gaeltachta to 2,980 per annum plus 150 hours special transmissions per annum. I understand that RTE intend to implement this extension on Easter Monday 31 March 1986. The programming of Raidio na Gaeltachta is a matter for the RTE Authority.
Raidio na Gaeltachta is broadcast nationwide on VHF and on medium wave from local low power transmitters in Connemara, Kerry and Donegal.
Can the Minister say if Raidio na Gaeltachta have any further plans to expand their existing service? I am talking about more studios and so on, throughout the Gaeltacht.
That is really another question. The position of Raidio na Gaeltachta will be very much enhanced in the proposed expansion of broadcasting which is inevitable here. Perhaps the renaming of Raidio na Gaeltachta to Radio 3 would be more appropriate. Many people interested in Irish language broadcasts have the impression that because the station is called Raidio na Gaeltachta it is only a local Gaeltacht radio service, whereas it is a national service. I should like to see it develop more comprehensively as a national service. If that line were adopted it follows that in due course there would have to be extra studio facilities in different parts of the country.
Is the Minister aware that in my county there have been complaints during the years because of the lack of proper reception? The area concerned also lacks the services of the other Gaeltachtaí in the matter of having people on the ground for Raidio na Gaeltachta programmes. As Mayo is the third largest Gaeltacht and in view of the nature of the Gaeltacht itself in that it is scattered from Tourmakeady on the Galway border to Carratigue in the north of the county, there is a need to have a serviced studio in Mayo. We have been looking for this over a period without success.
I cannot go into that kind of detail because it is not appropriate for me to do so. However, I am anxious that there would be adequate reception in respect of Raidio na Gaeltachta not only in all the Gaeltachtaí but also throughout the country.
We are delighted at the increase in the broadcasting hours of Raidio na Gaeltachta. Has the Minister considered allowing commercials on Raidio na Gaeltachta as Gaeilge?
I cannot recall that question having been put to me. Of course I would consider it if it were put to me.