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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 1972

Vol. 264 No. 8

Written Answers. - Sunday Television Programmes.

143.

andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether a decision has been taken by RTE to close down television programmes on Sunday evenings during certain hours for the Winter period; and, if so, the reason for this decision.

144.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the representations he has received with regard to the proposed curtailment of Sunday television transmissions from RTE; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I prouose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

I understand that the authority recently introduced a break in television transmissions during Sunday afternoons. I have received no representations in the matter.

As Deputies may know, the periods of broadcasting fixed by the authority are subject to my approval. The suggestion attributed to an RTE spokesman in recent Press reports that RTE's decision was necessary in order to comply with a Ministerial order is simply untrue. In 1964, the authority sought and obtained approval for additional hours of television broadcasting on Sundays between October and May for the purpose of providing continuous television programmes on Sunday afternoons. This is a continuing approval. I took up with the authority the matter mentioned in the quessins and they have arranged to resume continuous television broadcasting on Sunday afternoons.

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