Has any decision been taken yet as to how the programmes for RTE 2 will be selected?

(Dublin South-Central): It is the intention of RTE, in keeping with our manifesto, to establish a programme council. That council is in the course of being established at this moment. The council will advise to a certain extent what kind of programmes would be suitable, especially for people in the single channel areas. There are certain changes taking place within RTE with regard to the control of programmes.

The Authority will set up a council to advise on what programmes should be selected. Is that what the Parliamentary Secretary means?

(Dublin South-Central): It is not envisaged it would have a say in the day-to-day working as regards the selection of programmes. It is envisaged the advice of the council will be heard from time to time if they are not satisfied with the type of programmes RTE are transmitting.

If that is so, then why did the Taoiseach prior to the election write to the multi-channel people and say that RTE 2 will have the best of BBC, ITV and other channels selected by a selection board outside the RTE Authority? Could I have an answer to that?

It is a separate question.

Excuse me, it is not.

The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the manifesto.

I presume the Taoiseach was speaking with the authority of his party when he wrote that.

Nothing the Parliamentary Secretary has said is in contradiction of that.

Indeed, it is. He said the council would be set up to advise.

No. That is what Deputy Barry said.

No, no. That is what the Parliamentary Secretary said. Prior to the election multi-channel viewers were told that there would be a selection board outside the control of the RTE Authority. That is now being gone back on.

This is a separate question. This is an argument now.

(Dublin South-Central): This is an progress at this particular moment.

Will the new body be outside the control of the RTE Authority?

(Dublin South-Central): There is scope within the existing legislation——

Wait and see.

Like the jobs—we are still waiting for them.

I hope we will not have to wait four-and-a-half years like we did under the Coalition Government.

That is a contemptuous reply to give to a quotation from the Fianna Fáil manifesto.

Deputy Barry tried to put words into the Parliamentary Secretary's mouth.

Will it be outside the control of the RTE Authority?

(Dublin South-Central): They are being established in conjunction with the Department and the RTE Authority.