Section 31 broadcasting restrictions
Blaney asks whether the restrictions should be revoked, citing criticism from RTÉ staff; Cooney says they are not unsatisfactory and are necessary for public order.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in view of the obvious unsatisfactory working of the restrictions imposed under section 31 of the Broadcasting Act, 1960 and the expressed criticism by RTE staff of the manner in which such restrictions interfere with normal news reporting, he will consider revoking such restrictions.
Comment on this
I do not agree that the working of the restrictions is obviously unsatisfactory. I would point out that the Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on State-Sponsored Bodies noted the views of journalists on the problems caused by section 31 but held "that the section is a necessary contribution to public order at this troubled time in our history".