asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if any application has been made for a further increase in radio and TV licence fees.

Radio Telefís Éireann have sought an increase in the existing combined and sound only licence fees, and their application is under consideration.

Would the Minister be in a position at this stage to tell us how much of an increase they sought?

I do not think I can because this is confidential information which I believe I should not disclose to the House.

Is the Minister serious?

Quite serious. I think the Deputy is not serious.

I am sure the Minister is aware that a number of the daily newspapers have quoted different figures, some an increase of £6, another £2 and another £3. The public at large are very uneasy that the licence fee may bound upwards. They feel they are entitled to know as soon as possible by how much it will be increased?

If it is any help to the Deputy and the House, the fact that RTE have made application for a certain increase in the fee does not mean that application will be granted in full or that the increase as sought by them would be given.

Would the Minister tell the House whether it is at the request of RTE that this information is being kept confidential or whether it is the Government that wishes to keep it from the public?

Communications to me from the authority are always treated in a confidential manner. When the increase in fees has been decided on by the Government the proper announcement will be made.

Surely the Minister is aware of newspaper speculation on the amount of the increase being sought by RTE?

This would be a separate question.

Separate or otherwise, I am sure we shall not quarrel about it unduly. Is the increase more thatn £2?

We cannot have speculation at Question Time.

It is a fruitful area. Is the amount more or less than £2; may I put that to the Minister?

I am afraid not, because the Chair has said it is a separate question.

We shall have it down next week.

Fair enough.