asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether his attention has been drawn to a report of a lecture given to the Incorporated Sales Managers' Association, purporting to make two policy statements on behalf of Radio Éireann in regard to booster arrangements for the reception of Irish television in Belfast and in regard to the ban on imported commercials by Irish Actors' Equity; if he will state who are the certain interests mentioned in the lecture who are to boost Irish television into Northern Ireland; and who has made the decision not to accept the submissions of Irish Actors' Equity concerning imported commercials, without any negotiation with Irish Actors' Equity; and if he is aware of the anxiety caused to business firms and advertising agents intending to advertise on Radio Éireann by the fact that persons other than the Director General and members of the Council are in a position to make policy statements on behalf of Radio Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Television Service.
I have seen the report referred to by the Deputy and I am not aware of any booster arrangements of the kind mentioned. The question regarding Irish Actors' Equity is one for the Broadcasting Authority. The last part of the Question is also proper to the Authority, but I do not think anybody believes that persons other than members of the Authority or their duly authorised officers would be empowered to make policy statements on behalf of Radio Éireann.
Could the Minister say whether there are, in fact, any Irish arrangements to boost Irish television in Belfast?
Any booster arrangements here would have to be provided by Radio Éireann and would have to be licensed by me. Therefore I have answered the question already. I have told the Deputy that I am not aware of any booster arrangements of the kind mentioned.
Does the Minister not appreciate the concern of the public having regard to the fact that the lecturer happens to be a director of studios which are controlled by the chairman of the Irish Television Authority?
That is not for me to answer. It is a separate question. If somebody speaks in his private capacity, it does not concern the Minister.
I appreciate that the lecturer in question spoke in his private capacity; but, in view of his connection with the general business of television, I am sure the Minister will agree that there should be some statement from the Television Authority on this statement made by this lecturer?
That is a matter entirely for the Authority.
Does the Minister keep in mind the 1,250,000 Irish people in England because there are complaints that they would like to hear Radio Éireann but are not able to do so except in certain parts. The Irish want to see Radio Éireann television also.
Would the Minister not ask the Director of Irish Television to extend to Irish Actors' Equity the same courtesy that the majority of Irish employers in the country extend to other trade unions?
This is a matter solely and entirely for Radio Éireann and I suggest that the Deputy should take the matter up with Radio Éireann himself.
It is something for which the Minister has some responsibility also.