asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the number of hours during which Radio Éireann programmes were broadcast during the last 12 months; and (b) the number of hours devoted to (i) talks on agricultural topics; (ii) talks on horticulture; (iii) talks on forestry; and (iv) programmes of gramophone records (including sponsored programmes) during the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Programmes.
The information requested in this question is given in the form of a table which, with the Ceann Comhairle's permission, will be circulated to the Deputy and inserted in the records of the House.
Following is the information:—
(a) Radio Éireann broadcast for 2,856 hours from June 1st, 1947, to May 30th, 1948.
(b) (1) The number of hours devoted specifically to talks on agricultural topics was 7¼ hours; agricultural matters were also dealt with in a large number of general features not specifically under the heading of agriculture. The amount of time devoted to agricultural topics in these features cannot readily be ascertained. (2) Talks on horticulture, 13 hours. (3) Talks on forestry, nil. (4) Programmes of gramophone records, including sponsored programmes, 1,118 hours. (Sponsored programmes filled 439 of these hours.)