asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that the Irish News Agency is now operating in direct competition with the staffs of Irish newspapers and notwithstanding specific undertakings given by his predecessor in office to the Oireachtas when introducing the Irish News Agency Bill; and, if so, if he will direct the board to refrain from such unfair competition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish News Agency.
I understand that the board of the Irish News Agency has informed the Irish Council of the National Union of Journalists of its willingness to meet representatives of the council to discuss matters of mutual concern including the degree to which the Agency's operations may be regarded as being in competition with the staffs of Irish newspapers. In view of these talks between the directors and the journalists, I hope the Deputy will agree that it is better to postpone any discussion of the matter at this stage.