asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in connection with the proposed referendum on the abolition of P.R., he will take steps to ensure that time is given on Radio Éireann to speakers from all political Parties to put the various points of view on this most important issue.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Referendum: Party Broadcasts.
43.
There is no need for me to take any steps in this matter. The Director of Broadcasting is free to arrange broadcasts by spokesmen of political Parties on such occasions as a general election or the introduction of a Budget, as has been done in recent years, and the same would apply also on the occasion of a referendum. I have no doubt that a series of broadcasts will be arranged, provided of course that the Parties themselves agree.
There is no mention in the Minister's reply of the Independents, and as they are the chief victims they should be allotted time. I would ask the Minister to consider that. We can select one person out of the ten to speak. It is not right that we ten should be left in the lurch.
A Deputy
Whom would you choose?