I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 147, 148 and 149 together.
As a general rule I consider it undesirable that communications between myself or my Department and RTE should be published. In view, however, of the statement issued by the former chairman of RTE, and as the texts of the authority's letters sent to me on 15th October, 1971, and 23rd November, 1972, were issued with that statement, I propose, with the permission, of the Ceann Comhairle, to have copies of my letters of 27th October, 1971 and 21st November, 1972, circulated with the Official Report. I dealt very fully with the subject matter of these questions on 13th December, 1972, in my reply to the debate on the Estimate for my Department.
Following are the letters:
Dónall Ó Móráin,
Cathaoirleach,
Radio Telefís Éireann,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
27 Deireadh Fómhair, 1971
A Chathaoirleach A Chara,
I have received your letter of 15th October on the subject of my direction of 1st October under section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960. I do not consider it proper for me to enter into correspondence on the subject of the direction, which speaks for itself, and for this reason I am refraining from commenting on the contents of your letter.
Mise, le meas, (Sgd.) Gerard Collins
21st November, 1972
Dónall Uas Ó Móráin,
Cathaoirleach,
Radio Telefís Éireann,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
A Chara,
As you are aware, Radio Telefís Éireann broadcast a programme between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, 19th November, 1972, which was in contravention of the direction issued to Radio Telefís Éireann on 1st October, 1971 under section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960. I must request you to summon a meeting of the authority as a matter of immediate urgency for the purpose of enabling the authority to consider the action it proposes to take in connection with this matter.
It is essential that I should have before 6 p.m. on Thursday next, 23rd November, a firm indication in writing of what action the authority proposes to take.
Mise, le meas,
(Sgd.) Gerard Collins