Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 3

Written Answers. - Irish Language Programmes.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

108 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the views, if any, he has on the future of Irish language programmes on RTE 1 and Network 2 in view of the development regarding Teilifís na Gaeilge.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins);

I have no statutory function in day-to-day RTE programming matters.

Section 17 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960 as amended by section 13 of the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act, 1976, provides that in performing its functions the RTE Authority shall in its programming:

be responsive to the interests of the whole community, be mindful of the need for understanding and peace

within the whole island of Ireland, ensure that the programmes reflect the varied elements which make up the culture of the whole island of Ireland, and have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular for the Irish language.

The establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge will not lessen this statutory obligation in any way.