asked the Taoiseach if he has had an examination made of the practice of Radio Éireann in regard to the reporting of speeches made at political meetings, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann: Reports of Political Speeches.
In connection with a question and supplementary questions addressed, in this House, to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs on the 27th June, 1957, I undertook to have this matter examined and to report to the House.
The matter has been examined, and I have been informed that, normally, Radio Éireann does not report speeches made at political meetings except extracts from those made at the Ard-Fheiseanna of the principal political organisations, but that this has not been taken as precluding Radio Éireann from occasionally reporting, at the discretion of the Director, statements concerning matters of wide national interest, even where such statements are made at political meetings other than Ard-Fheiseanna.
What was the first time that that discretion was vested in the Director?
As far as I know, it has been vested in the Director the whole time — especially in connection with the news service.
Can the Taoiseach tell us what was the first time it was exercised?
As far as I am aware, it was exercised in connection with a statement made by the previous Taoiseach at a Party conference.