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Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Jan 1924

Vol. 2 No. 13

MOTION ON THE ADJOURNMENT. - BROAD-CASTING POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

My object in drawing attention to this matter is to try and allay the feeling of uneasiness with regard to the policy of the Government in the matter of wireless broadcasting. I do not propose to go into the merits of any rival policy, because I am not competent to do so, but I do feel, that this being a matter not only of grave importance, but dealing with a totally new condition of affairs, owing to the advancement of science and the whole of the conditions being untried and to a certain extent problematical, it is extremely important that due deliberation should be exercised. I have a feeling myself that the Government has taken the methods employed in England as a headline for future plans. I do not know that that would be altogether wise. The matter should certainly be discussed so that due consideration should be given to this very important question. Furthermore, in order that the two houses should exercise their sovereign powers in this matter, I should ask that an undertaking be given by the Government that no contractual liabilities should be incurred by the Government with any private citizen or corporation with respect to broadcasting operations without the consent of the Oireachtas.

I beg to second the motion.

AN CATHAOIRLEACH

This is really not a motion; it is a matter for discussion.

I only like to say that it is possible for Sir John Keane to have overlooked the fact that the Postmaster-General is an Extern Minister. In speaking of the policy of the Government that should be borne in mind. There is at present a Committee sitting and examining this question of broadcasting, and I would not be in a position to express an opinion until we have received the report of that Committee. I am not a member of it, nor am I acquainted with what is transpiring there. I have no knowledge of the Committee other than that it is examining the question very thoroughly. Its work is not yet finished.

Do I take it that the matter, when the Committee has reported, would be considered by the Government and brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas?

I will bear that in mind and report to the Seanad again. When the Committee has made its report, I will have something to say on the subject.

I must say that the reply of the President does not reassure me, especially his suggestion that the Minister in charge of broadcasting, being an Extern Minister, can take action independently of the Executive Council. I know that has been debated in the other House, and that it has a bearing on the question of constitutional procedure, but on the facts indicated, it leaves one very uneasy that the door should be open, presumably to a subordinate Minister, to take action in a matter of this kind without consulting the Executive Council and to incur contractual obligations on behalf of the State, and deliberately adopt a policy.

AN CATHAOIRLEACH

Would you allow me to say that I now understand there is a Special Committee appointed to inquire into this matter by the Dáil. I have received a communication from the Chairman of that Committee to say that such a committee is sitting and inquiring into the matter. Had I known that before, I would not have given you permission to raise the matter. However, you have now had a run for your money, and I will not allow the discussion to go on any further.

The Seanad adjourned at 5.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m., Friday, 25th January, 1924.

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