asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the names of the agencies which supply news services to Radio Éireann and give particulars of the conditions on which these are given and the dates on which the contracts for the respective news agencies were entered into.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann News Services.
The agencies which supply news services to Radio Éireann are (1) a combination of the Press Association, Reuters and Exchange Telegraph Company and (2) The United Press.
The service from the Press Association—Reuter — Exchange Telegraph combine commenced on the 16th September, 1946, and the United Press service commenced on the 10th December, 1948. It would be contrary to practice to give the other particulars requested by the Deputy.
Can the Minister say if the Irish News Agency has been supplying a news service to Radio Éireann and what payment, if any, have they received for such service?
No arrangements have yet been made for a news service from the Irish News Agency.
Is the Minister considering making any such arrangements?
Is the Minister aware that a news service from the United Press Agency was not accepted by Radio Éireann while Mr. McDonnell was manager, and that when he was removed from office and was replaced by Deputy Michael O'Higgins—now Senator O'Higgins—they were then given the contract? Will the Minister state if that is not a fact?
I have no official information on that matter.
Has Deputy Killilea?
It is quite true. The O'Higginses got everything.
They did not get the job from Joe Kennedy in Longford.
The Deputy himself did not do too badly.