asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has kept any records of radio programmes of RTE, including Radio na Gaeltachta; and, if so, the use he proposes to make of them in his Department.

9.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has kept any files of television programmes of RTE or other television channels; and, if so, the use he proposes to make of them in his Department.

I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.

I do not keep files of television programmes or records of radio programmes. Transcripts of a very small number of television and radio programmes which concerned matters coming within my Department's functions were made over the years and have been retained with the other papers on these matters.

(Dublin Central): The Minister stated that he does not keep transcripts, but do any other Government Department?

I am not in a position to answer for any other Government Department. Guessing I would say that probably most Departments keep both clippings from the Press and transcripts of such broadcasts as affect their work. That would seem to be a normal practice.

(Dublin Central): Is there any equipment available in the Minister's Department or in any other Department for recording such transcripts?

I know of no special equipment. My Department have very rarely occasion to do this at all. I understand that the Government Information Services regularly record news broadcasts and keep those recordings for a short time, but I do not think they have any special equipment.

Could the Minister state if the transcripts kept at the moment are kept for him personally or for the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs?

No transcripts are kept for me personally. Any transcripts kept by my Department are kept for departmental use only.

(Dublin Central): Did the Government Information Services purchase any equipment for this purpose recently?

That is a separate question and if the Deputy puts it down I am sure it will be answered appropriately.