asked the Taoiseach when it is expected that the broadcasting of Dáil proceedings will commence; the reasons it has not yet started; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Dáil Broadcasting.
2.
(Dún Laoghaire): Subject to the agreement of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges I hope to bring a motion before the Dáil early next month to enable broadcasting to commence forthwith.
While all the necessary physical works have been completed a difficulty has been experienced with the provision of a soundproof cue commentary booth which will be particularly required for any live broadcasts. Arrangements are being made to have a suitable booth tested next weekend. If the tests show that the booth is functionally adequate, I propose to ask the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to approve the commencement of broadcasting.
Could the Minister of State give us some detail as to the difficulties which arose in relation to the soundproofing? I understand that a booth was provided in the left hand corner which has now disappeared. Could the Minister of State indicate what has happened?
(Dún Laoghaire): The Office of Public Works were requested to provide a soundproof cue commentary booth. When that was provided it was discovered it was not soundproof. Therefore, it had to be taken away. I would not like to go into great detail as to the discussions which went on behind the scenes regarding the instrument which was put up there, but I hope we have resolved that problem. Hopefully, the new booth which will be provided will prove to be soundproof. Then, we can get on with broadcasting the Dáil, which we are all anxious to do.
We must welcome this major step forward in technology. Could I ask the Minister of State the procedure by which this new soundproof booth will be provided?
(Dún Laoghaire): We have come across a firm who provide translation facilities. We tested one of their booths a few days ago and it proved to be quite satisfactory. However, there is an updated version of that booth and we are arranging at present for it to be installed this weekend to be tested and to make certain that it is as soundproof as you could possibly get. The Whips of the parties will be asked to have a look at it and give their OK to its being installed.
Could we have an assurance from the Minister of State that all equipment, to the greatest extent possible, will be of home Irish manufacture?
(Dún Laoghaire): We will endeavour to achieve that wherever it is possible.
Did the Minister say that tests were carried out in the House on Monday last?
(Dún Laoghaire): Last Thursday.
I would like to ask the Minister if, in view of the fact that the party Whips were invited on previous occasions to inspect such work, he did not consider it advisable on this occasion that the Opposition Party Whip should have been invited for that testing.
(Dún Laoghaire): The reason the Deputy was not invited was that I was told this was available. It was brought in here so that we could have a first glance at it. If it was felt that it was all right we would then go ahead with the testing and the Deputy would be invited to that.