asked the Taoiseach if an official of the Government Information Services contacted RTE to inquire why the news of the shelving of the proposed Taoiseach's residence in the Phoenix Park had featured on only one of the two early evening news broadcasts on the day in question.

The answer is in the affirmative.

Would the Taoiseach tell the House how he would describe at present his relationship with the broadcasters in RTE?

That is a seperate question. It does not arise.

The question is related to a communication which the Taoiseach admits——

It relates to it but——

I am talking about the original question.

To the best of my knowledge my relations with the RTE personnel are excellent.

In that case would the Taoiseach explain to the House why he would prefer to be interviewed by some members of RTE rather than by others?

Would the Taoiseach explain why he felt the need to contact RTE?

I did not contact RTE.

The Taoiseach said the answer was in the affirmative.

The Deputy should read the question.

Is it not true that this communication was carried out at the Taoiseach's request in order to bring pressure to bear on RTE?

I have many other things to do besides worrying about items included or not included in news bulletins.

That is the only thing the Taoiseach does worry about and that is the thing that worries us.

I would regard such an approach by the GIS as part of their normal duties. I would regard it as surprising if a reasonably important statement by the Government was not carried in a major news bulletin. I would regard it as a simple matter of everyday duty by the GIS or any officer in it to inquire as to why it was not.