asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the Government's decision to set up a committee to review the progress of the television and sound broadcasting services since the enactment of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television and Radio Review.
80.
It is nearly 11 years since the Broadcasting Authority was established, and over nine since the television service commenced. Since its establishment, the authority has made substantial progress in the development of the sound broadcasting and television services. I consider, however, that it is desirable that from time to time a general review should be made of the progress of these services, and an assessment made of the further development needed. The lapse of time since the authority was established makes it appropriate, in my view, that such a review and assessment should now be made, and, accordingly, I have decided to set up a committee for that purpose. I hope to announce the membership of the committee shortly.
In view of the major national public communications role of RTE now, will the terms of reference and the membership or composition of the committee be put before Dáil Éireann in view of our enactment of the 1960 Act? Secondly, has there been any prior consultation with the RTE authority on the terms of reference or composition of the committee and thirdly, will the report of such a committee be presented to the Dáil? May I ask these three questions first?
Which one does the Deputy want answered first?
Will the terms of reference be put before the Dáil?
I do not intend to put the terms of reference before the Dáil.
If not, why not?
So far as is known this has not been done before in the case of any Government committee or commission. I do not intend to break with precedent.
Not even for information?
For the information of whom?
The House.
The terms of reference have been published in the newspapers and through the radio and television services.
And what has been publicised are the actual terms of reference?
Of course they are.
This is the Dáil, and we want it confirmed. We are part of the process, on a one-sided basis of course. Has there been any prior consultation with the RTE Authority on the terms of reference?
No.
Is it intended that there might be?
No, it is not intended.
Why not?
Is this a refusal to answer?
It is not a refusal to answer. I am not refusing to answer. I have already answered about 20 questions. The Government have not decided that there should be consultations with anybody.
In other words, we are to have a Fianna Fáil review committee of the national communications system. This is what we shall get. May I ask the Minister——
(Interruptions.)
If the Deputy were sensible enough to wait, the membership of the committee will be announced and then he can ask his questions.
I am making a valid political point. Will the Minister include a representative or representatives, or representatives nominated or selected by him from the RTE group of trade unions? Will they be on it?
The Deputy wants to enlarge on the scope of the question. If he wants to ask that he must put down a separate question.
It is a very important questions.
The Deputy will have to put down a separate question if he wants to enlarge on the original question.
May I ask, if amending legislation is to be anticipated from this committee, if he would set up an all party committee——
This would clearly be a separate question.
I do not want to be putting down questions every week. I am long enough here——
The Deputy may not dispute the matter with the Chair.
I regret. Are we likely to have any sort of all-party committee on this? For example, can the spokesmen of the Opposition parties be in any way involved in this review? Has the Minister considered, as a measure of Parliamentary reform —it might be a useful exercise—if the Opposition spokesmen should be on such a review committee?
The Deputy is proceeding to elaborate on a question and this is not permissible at Question Time. The House according to order will proceed to No. 25 after Questions.
In other words, this is to be a Fianna Fáil self-appointed review committee.