Ministerial broadcasts and their conditions
The Taoiseach said he had no plans for further ministerial broadcasts. FitzGerald suggested clarifying the conditions to prevent possible abuse; the Taoiseach agreed to discuss the matter with Opposition parties and said broadcasts should not be abused.
andDr. FitzGerald asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to make further ministerial broadcasts.
Comment on this
Does the Taoiseach agree that it might be desirable for the conditions of ministerial broadcasts to be more clearly defined than they are at present?
Comment on this
I would be prepared to discuss that but at the moment they are included in legislation. If there is any wish by the Opposition parties to discuss the circumstances in which ministerial broadcasts might be made I am prepared to talk with them about that.
Comment on this
I accept that. I did not criticise the Taoiseach's broadcast. It seems to me to fall within the intention of the Act but it is obviously something which is potentially open to abuse so it might be worth while looking at it.