asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has received any report from the inter-departmental committee established to examine and report on how this country can get maximum advantage from satellite broadcasting.

: I have not received any report yet from the committee. It is, incidentally, examining all aspects of satellite communications, as well as broadcasting.

: Is the Minister aware of the meeting which took place in a certain establishment in Kildare between commercial interests and the Director General of RTE to discuss the actual franchise for satellite television broadcasting?

: I am not so aware.

: Will the Minister make himself aware and contact the Director General of RTE to discuss this very important matter seeing that he is so involved with broadcasting in Ireland? I understand that is the Minister's brief. I should like to know about the meeting which took place in Kildare between commercial interests and the Director General of RTE.

: I shall have an opportunity of meeting with the Director General on Friday. Perhaps the Deputy will be good enough to give me the information he has available to him so that I will be very well briefed.

: I am sure with all his officials and advisers the Minister will be well briefed. This meeting took place. I am sure when the Minister meets the Director General he will not be exerting any undue influence on him and his staff in regard to allowing fair play for the Fianna Fáil Party.