asked the Minister for Finance if there was any final decision in regard to televising and amplifying the proceedings of the House; if he will state the nature of the decision; and when the matters referred to will be in operation.

In 1959, the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges approved a proposal to instal a closed circuit television system which would repeat the indicator board at selected positions in the House. It was subsequently decided, however, to defer the installation of the system pending the completion of the scheme, which is now in progress, for the extension and alteration of the building.

With regard to the amplification question the position is that following a detailed examination by a consultant a scheme was prepared and tenders have been received for the introduction of a low level sound re-inforcement system. The scheme provides for the installation of a total of 72 microphones mounted on the desks in front of the members with a corresponding number of speaker units which would be placed between seats at ear level. At the moment I cannot say when the system will be in operation.