asked the Minister for the Marine the cost of the bi-monthly production of Mara Nuacht; the postage costs of circulating it; to whom it is circulated; and the amount of the first issue which was posted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - “Mara Nuacht”.
8.
The first issue of the departmental newsletter Mara Nuacht was entirely experimental. I would be interested in any views Deputies might have about the desirability or form of such a newsletter.
The preparation, writing, design and production of 6,000 copies of Mara Nuacht cost £4,587.50. It was circulated to members of the Oireachtas, fishing, tourism and angling interests and national and international scientific institutes and libraries.
I welcome any effort to increase communication between the Department of the Marine and all interested parties. I accept that it is experimental but if this is really to be an instrument for spreading information and for co-ordinating information in the marine area, can we have an assurance that it will not just become a political propaganda organ of the Department? Is the Minister aware that there were over 12 references to his good self and to his junior Minister, and three to the Taoiseach, in six pages of articles alone? If it is purely to disseminate information, a principle which I support, we should have this assurance. The other spokespeople for the marine were not mentioned at all. Will the Minister assure us that it will not become a political propaganda weapon, that we will get good value for money and will he confirm the 60p. a copy figure? I received two copies of this, one as a county councillor and one as a Deputy. I know a constituent of mine who was not on any local body who received another two copies——
May I dissuade the Deputy from making a speech?
What was the basis of compiling the circulation list and does the figure for the production costs include the costs of the handling by his departmental officials as well? There is a lot not explained.
The Deputy has made her point and that should be adequate.
It has not been political and there is no intention that it should become political. It is very difficult to write about a Department without at least mentioning the name of the Minister and the Minister of State.
Twelve times?
Is this the Bunny Carr School of——
(Interruptions.)
Could I have the answer to my question?
I am calling Deputy John Kelly.
In view of the fact that this is merely an experimental paper, will the Minister of State cease experimenting with the Irish language as well, in as much as the phrase which has been used for christening this paper and — I am no Dineen — and I will defer to the Minister if he assures me that I am wrong — appears to be a barbarism?
Questions nominated for priority, No. 18——
I would like even a perfunctory reply from the Minister, either yes or no. Will he look at the title and not give us yet another instance of State Irish?
I appreciate the Deputy's interest in Irish and, as one from a Gaeltacht area myself, we took great time to decide on the title and we are quite happy with that.
But is it correct? No one ever seems to care about that.
We are going on to priority questions.