asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the widespread indignation because of the failure of the Radio Éireann authorities to comply with their original agreement with the Football Association of Ireland to broadcast the Cup Final on Sunday 29th April last; whether, in view of the obligation on the Radio authorities to give fair coverage to all important sports fixtures, he has consulted with the authorities regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcast of Football Cup Final.
26.
Mr. Ryan
Sporting commentaries are arranged between Radio Éireann and the controlling body concerned and I have no function in the matter.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that in this particular instance the controlling body to which he refers, the Football Association of Ireland, met Mr. Andrews, the Chairman, and Mr. Roth, the Director of Radio Éireann who gave specific assurances that never again would the Football Association of Ireland experience similar difficulty when playing a Cup Final but that it would be broadcast on three wavelengths? Would the Miniister not think it proper that people in such an important position in Radio Eireann would not go back on undertakings given to such a reputable body?
The Authority have been given the widest powers in programme affairs. I understand from the Authority that there is a difference of opinion as to what exactly was promised. I also understand that in the future Radio Éireann hopes to arrange a high level meeting with the Football Association of Ireland in an effort to work out an agreeable scheme for commentaries.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that a high level conference took place just a year ago between the President and the Secretary of the Association, on the one hand, and Mr. Andrews and Mr. Roth of Radio Éireann, on the other hand, and, notwithstanding assurances given on that occasion, Radio Éireann published in the newspapers that the Cup Final in question would be broadcast on two wavelengths only, although they had not the consent of the Association for that? Is the Minister further aware that the Radio Éireann authorities have gone back on assurances previously given? Can he now give this House any assurance that any undertakings given in the future will be honoured?
That is the trouble. The Radio Éireann people say they did not go back on any assurance given. There is a difference of opinion as to what point of view was arrived at between the Football Association of Ireland and Radio Éireann.
Mr. Donnellan
When did those people become so important?
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Andrews made three frantic phone calls from London to Glasgow over a year ago on the occasion of an international match with Scotland? It was not once but on a number of occasions that assurances were given.