Vol. 219 No. 3
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, following the Government's decision to cut expenditure, particularly abroad, in order to rectify the balance of payments position, any general directive was issued to Telefís Éireann conveying the Government's policy on expenditure; and, if so, whether any reply has been received to such directive.
46.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, having regard to the national importance of reducing expenditure at this time on unessential goods and services, he will have discussions with the television authorities with a view to ensuring that money is not expended by a State-sponsored body on unnecessary services during the present period of financial stringency.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to deal with Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
The Broadcasting Authority is already well aware of the need to reduce expenditure, particularly abroad, at the present time.
In November last the Authority was requested by my Department to give special concessions to Irish manufacturers whose goods were affected by the British surcharge on imports and to minimise its purchases abroad where such purchases were unavoidable. Arrangements were made accordingly and are still in force.
More recently, my Department has had correspondence with the Authority about the question of reducing its capital expenditure in view of the need to equate total demand for public capital expenditure with the resources available.
Is the Minister aware that Telefís Éireann are about to expend a large amount of money in sending a team to photograph a horse race in America in which no Irish horse is participating and also to photograph professional boxers in training at Las Vegas? Does he seriously suggest that Telefís Éireann are making an effort not to spend Irish money abroad in the existing financial crisis?
I have no information that they are going to spend a large amount of money.
I know that the Government regard tens of thousands of pounds as "nugatory". I have no doubt that many thousands of pounds would not be considered large by them but it is a very bad example.
The Authority is responsible for its programme material, not the Government.
It is a disgraceful state of affairs.
