asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state with reference to the policy adopted by Radio Éireann in recent months of publishing in its news bulletins statements by Ministers in reply to reports in newspapers, although such reports had not been given by Radio Éireann itself, whether such publication was done by direction of the Government Information Bureau, from which the statements were stated to have come; and if not, when and by whose direction this policy was adopted.

No policy of the sort mentioned in the Question has been adopted by Radio Éireann. In reply to a recent somewhat similar Question, I said that I recognised the desirability of keeping to a minimum the inclusion in the news broadcasts of statements and replies on controversial matters.

Does the Minister believe that the people who listen in to Radio Eireann are satisfied with the fact that the Radio Eireann news bulletins contain a boost for some Minister or other every time they listen in? Is he aware that one Minister in particular received more publicity in the past 12 months than the entire inter-Party Government received in three years? Is he further aware that on a specific occasion Radio Eireann reported that the Taoiseach was present at the consecration of the Most Rev. Dr. ..........? Is he satisfied that on an occasion such as a consecration, the Bishop should be given secondary importance to those who attended his consecration?

When we get television, the Deputy will be "lepping" mad.

Television will not help the Minister's colleagues.