asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state what exactly are the fees that Radio Éireann pay at present for a broadcast from Dublin (a) to a ceilidhe band resident in Dublin if no travelling expenses are taken into account; (b) to a ceilidhe band from County Galway resident 100 miles from Dublin, if expenses incurred by the band in travelling are taken into account.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Fees.
It is not possible to give a categorical answer to the question as the musical standard of the band and the duration of the broadcast are important considerations in the fixing of the fees.
Is it not a fact that the fee that was offered to the Aughrim Slopes Ceilidhe Band, Ballinasloe, at their last performance, including the travelling expenses involved in a journey of 100 miles to Dublin for the full membership of the band, with instruments, was six guineas?
I am not so aware. I would point out that the standard of the band is the prime consideration. The travelling expenses would be a secondary consideration.
Would the Minister not consider that, in the case of bands of a high standard, a fee of six guineas is inadequate?
It would all depend on the standard of the band.