asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether any member of Radio Telefís Éireann has any emolument or benefit paid by the Authority other than the cash remuneration included in the statement presented to Dáil Éireann in June 1966; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remuneration of RTE Member.
2.
If the word "benefit" employed by the Deputy is intended to cover payments for specific contributions to broadcasting programmes, the answer to the question is that one member of the Authority received fees in respect of his association with a recent series of Irish historical programmes.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that the word "benefit" covers the provision of a car and a liveried chauffeur to drive him around?
No.
But is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the word "benefit" in the taxation law covers such and does he not further think it was entirely dishonest of his predecessor to fail to include in the paper laid on the Table of the Dáil that the Chairman of the RTE Authority can regularly be seen driving motor car GZJ510, registered in the name of the Television Authority, with a liveried chauffeur, also in the employment of the Authority?
I do not think it comes within the heading——
Very definitely it does and it was very deliberately concealed.
Certainly not.