asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is the intention of his Department to sanction an increase in television licence fees within the next 12 months; and if any such proposal is likely to be put before the Dáil before the next budget.

Radio Telefís Éireann have sought an increase in television licence fees, and their application is under consideration. I cannot say when a decision is likely to be made, but Dáil approval would not be required if it is decided that the fees should be increased.

(Dublin Central): Can the Minister give any indication of what percentage increase they are seeking?

It would not be appropriate for me to make a statement on the matter to the House until the Government have taken a decision on the matter.

(Dublin Central): Will this be announced before the budget or in the budget?

I cannot anticipate in this matter a Government decision which has not been taken.

What increase has been sought?

We have had that question already. Question No. 15.

An announcement will be made on this matter.

What is wrong with telling us how much they want?

I do not think I should make a statement on the matter until the Government have made a decision. When a decision is made a full statement on the facts will be issued.

Is it an increase of £4.50 in the licence fee?

Question No. 15.

(Dublin Central): Will it go through the full process of the Prices Commission the same as any other price increases?

Yes.

Is it the Minister's intention to add a budgetary increase as well?

I do not know what exactly the Deputy means by that.

Will the Minister continue to express his concern with regard to rising prices? Will he try to keep the increase down as much as he can?

We would all like to keep prices down as much as we can.

Would the Minister assure me when the matter comes before the Government that it will be his concern, whatever is the proposed increase, to keep it at the very minimum?

I can assure the Deputy and the House that in my recommendation to the Government I will be concerned with ensuring that any increase will be kept to the minimum necessary to enable RTE to comply with the statutory requirements binding on them but that it will not fall below that point.

Would the Minister indicate to the House what public interest is involved in his not disclosing to the House what increase is sought as distinct from what increase he proposes to grant?

There are a number of matters involved. RTE have made certain proposals to the Government who have referred the matter to the National Prices Commission, which in their turn have made recommendations. All these matters will have to be studied by the Government in connection with this matter for the purpose of ensuring, as I have said, that the amount provided will be adequate to enable RTE to comply with statutory requirements.

Next question. I have called it on a number of occasions.