asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state in relation to Radio Eireann programmes the total number of performances given individually or collectively by persons in the employment of any State Department, corporation, county council, or any semi-State concern, the number of persons concerned, the total amount paid to such persons for such performances since 31st March, 1957, and the amount due, but not yet paid, to such persons up to the latest available date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Eireann Programmes.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to employees of State Departments will not be available until towards the end of the financial year and it could not even then be given for part of a year without a large amount of research. For the whole of last year, however, so far as information as to artiste's occupation is known, the total number of State employees engaged was 54 and the payments of fees amounted to £3,182 19s. 9d. I cannot state the total number of performances as distinct from artistes covered by these fees. I have no information as to the number of artistes engaged who are employees of corporations, county councils or semi-State concerns.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state how many persons are appointed in Radio Eireann for the purpose of arranging radio programmes and engaging artistes and personnel to participate in such programmes; and, further, whether each or any of such persons concerned has worked on the public stage at any time, or for the radio as a professional artiste, comedian, musician, singer, dramatist, dancer, or lecturer for which he earned professional fees, and, if not, if he will consider the advisability of appointing persons with practical experience of radio work.
Approximately 30 persons on the programme staff of Radio Eireann are engaged for the purposes stated in the question. In assessing the merits of applicants for such appointments particular attention is paid to professional qualifications and radio experience. In some cases, however, suitable persons with these attributes are not available or other candidates for a particular situation are considered to be more suitable.