asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if in view of the scheduled revision of the current Broadcasting Authority Act in 1971 he is now prepared to establish a representative and authorative commission to review in depth progress made to date and to report on any necessary amendments.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Revision of Broadcasting Authority Act.
148.
The scheduled revision which the Deputy appears to have in mind, and which is concerned only with the financial arrangements between the Minister and Radio Telefís Éireann, is due next year. I do not see any necessary link between it and a review of the authority's progress.
In view of the increasing importance of our television and radio services, the tremendous focus of public attention and public opinion on the operation of these services, and particularly the growing commercialisation of these services with their appropriate financial repercussions, would the Minister not reconsider how best to review the role of State finances in these services. It is unsatisfactory to discuss a matter of such a complex nature in an Estimate debate in the House when one must deal with many other aspects of the Minister's Department. Perhaps he would consider his reply in that regard if we make further representations to him?
I did not intend to convey the intention of reconsidering the reply. I merely said there was no necessary link between one and the other. In principle I do feel that, after a given time, a review of the progress of RTE should be undertaken, and it is something I certainly have not shut out in relation to this legislation.
Could I ask a supplementary question?
At this stage Question Time is over. It is five o'clock.
There is a minute to go.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, an admirable set of rules has been drawn up and adopted in Telefís Éireann in respect of political impartiality on the part of the staff and commentators, and I wonder if it is intended to adopt a similar set of rules for the members of the Authority?
I do not know about the rules. I have not seen them. As far as I know, the main problem was that the rules were not abided by and I think the whole object of any review would be to endeavour to draw up a set of rules which would be applicable.
To the Authority?