asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the position regarding his proposal on the broadcasting of Dáil proceedings; if broadcasting will occur during the present Dáil session; if so, the format it will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Broadcasting of Dáil.
314.
The Programme for Government states that facilities will be provided for broadcasting debates of the Oireachtas.
In June 1983 I proposed to the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges (CPP) that (a) RTE should undertake experimental recording in the Dáil Chamber to establish whether the existing microphone system in the Dáil was capable of providing recordings of a quality suitable for radio transmission and (b) that RTE should be asked to prepare for the information of the Committee a "mock-up" tape of the type of Oireachtas debate programme they would intend broadcasting. The Committee decided (a) that RTE should be asked to prepare such an experimental tape based on the proceedings of one of the Oireachtas Committees and (b) that RTE should submit a detailed memorandum outlining proposals for broadcasting of Dáil and Oireachtas Committee proceedings covering such areas as presentation, editing and privilege.
RTE responded to CPP requesting permission to defer submission of the detailed memorandum and "mock-up" tape requested and sought to undertake actual broadcasting of some of the proceedings of the Joint Committee on Legislation on an experimental basis. However, in September 1983 CPP decided that RTE should comply with Committee's original request. A response is now awaited from RTE.
The Government are committed to the broadcasting of the work of the Oireachtas and it is the intention that this broadcasting will reflect the overall work of the House on a balanced basis as between plenary sessions and committee work.