asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give an estimate of the total loss incurred by the State in connection with the Athlone short-wave broadcasting station from its inception until its recent demise.

The original cost of the transmitter, masts, aerials and building for the short-wave station was £142,000 (approximately). Subsequently a further £17,000 was spent on spare parts for the station.

The aerials and masts were sold recently for £875 but so far a purchaser has not been found for the transmitter or spare parts.

Would the Minister inform the House what the percentage of the total cost of the short wave station would be for keeping the British Royal Family in the Park, since the O'Higgins's started the racket?

There is something wrong to-day.

The Deputy is in very bad humour.