asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state whether it is intended to discontinue Radio Éireann Public Symphony Concerts; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for, and the period of, the proposed discontinuance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Symphony Concerts.
The usual series of public symphony concerts has not been arranged for the coming winter and spring. It has not, however, been decided to discontinue these concerts entirely and it is probable that at least an occasional concert will be held during the season.
The reason for the suspension of the regular series of concerts this year is that ample opportunities for hearing performances of the broadcasting symphony orchestra week by week throughout the whole year, free of charge, have been provided in the new studio in the Phoenix Hall. It is practically certain that, at present at any rate, there would not be a sufficient public to justify holding the fortnightly public concerts as well as these studio concerts. There was actually a decline in the attendances at the public concerts last winter.
I am sorry but I did not hear one word of that reply.