A Cheann Comhairle——

Perhaps a brief question, Deputy, as I am anxious to deal with other questions. I am also anxious to facilitate Deputy Carey.

In view of the fact that ultimately the Minister's consent is necessary and of the uncertainty now being created with regard to the future funding of RTE, would the Minister have this question resolved without delay? Can he give the House any indication of when he thinks the question will be resolved? Will he also give an assurance that he will have due regard to the views of the workers in RTE who are solidly opposed to any sale or privatisation of Cablelink?

I refute totally the allegation the Deputy has now made for a second time in relation to the future funding of RTE. The Government are making capital available to RTE——

Let me clarify what I said. What I was referring to was the lack of income that would be available to RTE should Cablelink be sold.

That is totally different to what the Deputy said the first time.

That is why I clarified it.

As regards the income surely that is a matter that RTE will make a judgment on having regard to the price being offered for it and whether that will compensate for the level of income at present coming in. These are all matters which should be taken into consideration.

The Minister has a function in all of this.

I have been keeping and I will be keeping a very close eye on the position. I hope the offer which will come in will more than compensate for the profits which are being generated at present through the very limited use of the technology of Cablelink in so many homes in the greater Dublin, Waterford and Galway areas. In so far as the interests of the workers in RTE are concerned, I am very conscious of the views expressed by them. I have received an indication that they are interested in sending a deputation to me to discuss the matter and I would be more than willing to sit down and discuss it with the members of the staff there at any time or with the Congress of Trade Unions at any time. Until we know whether a substantial offer has been made it would be slightly premature to indicate whether a decision is going to be made. If and when a substantial offer is made I will be happy to sit down with anybody to discuss the matter with them.

Given that the Minister has taken exception to my disappointment at his not answering my interruptions may I ask him in view of what he said as regards the profitability of the company if it is true that Cablelink take 25 per cent of the turnover as profit? Can he give us an indication as to whether he approves of this figure?

My policy is not to answer interruptions as they were described by the Deputy himself but in so far as the operations of Cablelink are concerned I am keeping the matter under review at present and I am waiting to see what interest will be revealed resulting from the indication from RTE and their minority shareholder that they are prepared to consider offers for the company but all matters will be kept under consideration before reaching a final decision.

A Cheann Comhairle, have you no power in regard to the Minister's refusal to answer these questions?

That is not a matter for the Chair. Question No. 4.

The people in north Dublin should be told about this if consumers are being ripped off.

Deputy Carey should restrain himself.

A mind boggling thought.

They are well looked after by all accounts.