Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 6

Written Answers. - Independent Radio and Television Commission.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

16 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that (1) a member of a company (details supplied) who works as a media adviser for Government Departments also serves on the Independent Radio and Television Commission (2) the Independent Radio and Television Commission issued an order under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, instructing the independent radio stations around the country to broadcast the Taoiseach's special broadcast on Maastricht and (3) the recording of this speech came from a company concerned; and if, in view of these facts, she will outline her views on whether a possible conflict of interests existed in this situation.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I do not accept that any conflict of interest arose on this occasion. The decision to request the Independent Radio and Television Commission to make arrangements for the provision of the necessary services to broadcast the Taoiseach's announcement on the Maastricht referendum was made by the Taoiseach in order to ensure that every avenue available to inform the general public about the issues raised in the referendum was explored. As is required by the Radio and Television Act, 1988 I gave my consent to the arranging of these services. The Independent Radio and Television Commission decided to accede to the request. I did not have any function in this decision but such a response to an important, proper, legitimate, and reasonable request from the Head of Government is hardly unreasonable.

I am not aware in any formal sense of the technicalities or modus of recording the broadcast but I do not see how the mechanics of recording the announcement could give rise to a conflict of interest as the Deputy suggests.