asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the future of Radio Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Future of Radio Éireann.
The Government have not, so far, considered whether any policy changes affecting the future of Radio Éireann are necessary or desirable.
In view of the Minister's criticisms of Radio Eireann at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis of last week, does he now seriously say he has no proposals at all in respect of changes in Radio Éireann?
In reply to the supplementary, it is assuming something which I said is not accurate. I did not make the criticisms which the talk was about and, therefore, the assertion in the supplementary does not arise.
Surely part of this report of the Minister's speech in the Irish Independent of November 21st is correct? In his denial of the report, he surely does not deny he said this——
Quotations are not allowed at Question Time.
All I can say is that the question deals with policy——
May I ask a question in relation to administration? Is it true that, as a result of the doubtful observations of the Minister on the occasion referred to, the members of the Advisory Council have tendered their resignation? It is not a separate question. I submit I am entitled to ask this question. Notwithstanding that the Minister says he did not say what it is said he said and that maybe he said what the Minister for Lands thought he might have meant to say, I am entitled to ask what did the members of the Advisory Council think he said and what did they do as a result of what they thought. Did they tender their resignations?
That is irrelevant to the question on the paper.
Perhaps it will be relevant to my question when it comes.
Having shot your bolt, be silent on the next question.
Is it not a fact that the declared policy of the previous Minister was to allow a greater measure of independence to Radio Éireann and is it not a fact that the Minister has declared that so far as he is concerned there will be no further step in that direction? Does that indicate a change of policy or not?
I do not know whether what was said indicates that. That is my opinion.
He only said that as long as he was in the Ministry and he is out of it now.
That is why he was put out of it.