asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the present position with regard to the negotiations with RTE about the broadcasting of Dáil proceedings; when he expects that these negotiations will be finalised and that broadcasting will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Broadcasting of Oireachtas Proceedings.
565.
In August 1984 the Government authorised me in my capacity as Leader of the House to propose to the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges detailed measures for the broadcasting, in edited form, of Dáil, Seanad and Oireachtas committee debates. In October 1984 the Dáil CPP approved the broadcasting proposals and established a sub-committee which was later joined by a sub-committee of the Seanad CPP to deal with technical aspects of implementation of broadcasting such as the use of ambience microphones, equipment requirements, cue commentary, etc.
A difficulty emerged in relation to accommodation for RTE for an Oireachtas broadcasting studio in that accommodation was not available within Leinster House. This difficulty has now been resolved by the allocation of accommodation in No. 28 Molesworth Street to RTE.
In the meantime, RTE have been working on a detailed equipment specification, seeking quotations, etc. The preparation and equipping of the accommodation are being progressed by the Office of Public Works and RTE in detailed consultation with each other.
In relation to a date for the commencement of broadcasting, every effort is being made by the parties concerned to initiate the project before the summer recess this year. It may be, however, that due to the work involved in the renovation and adaptation of the accommodation, the installation of communication cables, and the equipping of the studio, the summer recess may precede slightly our readiness to commence broadcasting. In that event, broadcasting should begin immediately after the summer recess.