Today Tonight Broadcasting Act Complaint
Enright alleged that the previous night’s Today Tonight programme breached section 31 of the Broadcasting Act and that another breach was imminent. The Chair said he had disallowed Enright’s Private Notice Question and would not permit the ruling to be challenged in the House, but would communicate with him.
I want to refer to section 31 of the Broadcasting Act which was breached in last night's "Today Tonight" programme and it will be breached again tonight——
Comment on this
Please resume your seat. Deputy Enright did me the courtesy of conveying to me the matter he was going to raise. You put down a Private Notice Question on section 31 of the Broadcasting Act and last night's "Today Tonight" programme. I ruled it out of order for private notice. Just as I told Deputy Reynolds, I am sorry but I cannot have a decision of mine questioned in the House. To put it bluntly, I cannot make fish of one and flesh of another. I am sorry but I cannot hear you on this subject. Like Deputy Reynolds, you are welcome to come to my office.
Comment on this
I do not want you to make any type of meal of us, but under Statutory Instrument No. 17 of 1983——
Comment on this
Last night's programme was out of order and tonight's programme too will be out of order——
Comment on this
——because I am concerned about a breach of the Broadcasting Act and the Statutory Instrument. This is a very serious matter.