asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that outside a radius of approximately 50 miles broadcasting from the Dublin Station cannot be picked up by listeners, and if he is further aware that it is expected that residents and visitors will be anxious to take advantage of broadcasting from the Dublin Station during Eucharistic Congress Week, and if he can state when he hopes the new high power station will be available, and if it will be functioning before June of next year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Broadcasting Station.
If the Deputy will repeat his question to-morrow I shall answer it.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the cause of delay in the formation of the augmented orchestra at 2RN, and whether, in view of the prevailing distress among unemployed musicians, he will take the necessary steps to have this body appointed without further delay.
The question of augmentation of the station orchestra has been carefully considered, but in view of the present financial stringency the Minister for Finance is not prepared to sanction the extra expenditure that would be involved. The matter will, however, be reconsidered when the general financial position improves.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the station sextet is at present composed of women with, I think, one exception; that these people are comparatively well-off, and that there are quite a large number of unemployed musicians as a result of the installation of the "talkies" who are unable to find employment in this city? Furthermore, how does the Parliamentary Secretary reconcile his answer with the statement he made at the opening of the Wireless Exhibition recently?
I recognise that there are many unemployed musicians in the city. At the same time, it is not the first function of the broadcasting undertaking to provide employment for unemployed musicians. The first responsibility in regard to the station is to provide a suitable and competent orchestra. If the opportunity arises, as indicated in the answer, for the appointment of additional members we will do so, but, as I have indicated. the financial stringency at present does not allow for it.
Did not the Parliamentary Secretary give an undertaking that this augmented orchestra would be appointed?
Undertakings have been given but had to be altered, because of the altered conditions of the country.
What are the altered conditions which have arisen since the statement was made?
The financial conditions, as indicated.