Is the Taoiseach in a position to deny some persistent rumours to the effect that responsibility for Radio Éireann is to be transferred to his Department or to the Minister of State, Deputy Nealon, in his Department?

No decision of that kind has been taken.

In saying that no decision has been taken it would seem to imply that the matter is being considered.

The matter has not come before the Government.

The Taoiseach communes with himself from time to time and tosses these matters around in his mind. Is any such proposal being considered either by him or by anybody in the Government?

I think the appropriate procedure in relation to the transfer of functions is that the Government will consider taking a decision on any matter before bringing it before the House.

I am asking the Taoiseach a very simple question and I think we are entitled to some information about it. My question is simply: is the issue of the transfer of responsibility for RTE from the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs to the Taoiseach's Department under consideration at all?

No.