Does the Taoiseach share my concerns regarding the decision by RTÉ radio to drop a heavily sanitised interview it had recorded with the former Minister and former Deputy Shane Ross on his new book on Deputy McDonald? RTÉ has some very serious questions to answer. It is a publicly funded organisation, getting millions of euro of taxpayers' money in the recent budget. It has a duty of public service in its public broadcasting. I am not sure what or whom it is afraid of and what it is hiding. This is censorship of the highest order. I believe it has some very serious consequences for the national broadcaster. It is a very worrying development. Shane Ross was able to give interviews to Newstalk, Today FM and other independent radio stations. I believe RTÉ has questions to answer.

I do not know the background to the entire case other than to say that such a development has a chilling effect on public debate and on democracy. Of that there is no doubt. When the national broadcaster is sued by any organisation of considerable clout and heft, obviously the national broadcaster is taking a cautious position here and because of the fear of being sued will not broadcast the interview. That is something that demands greater transparency and explanation.

I found it intriguing that apparently a political party got access to the interview to listen to it prior to it being known. I do not think I was ever afforded that opportunity as the Leader of the Opposition - I stand to be corrected. Someone may have said, "Listen, have a listen to that there. Do you think we have permission to publish it?" It may not have been exactly in those terms. I do not think RTÉ was saying, "Give us permission to report." I am paraphrasing there which would not be correct I assume, but nonetheless-----

The Taoiseach is correct.

I am correct insofar as it got to listen to it, but why RTÉ decided not to broadcast is a matter that needs explanation.

Where can I go to get an explanation?

I would suggest RTÉ.

Táimid ag bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí an dá rún gan díospóireacht.

You would want to keep your good censorship, I can tell you.

Can we have a bit of respect for the Chair?

Tell him to cop himself on.

It is all ahead of us.