asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will arrange to have special programmes provided for the deaf on television.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - TV Programmes for Deaf.
120.
I am aware that RTE have produced occasional programmes for the deaf in the "Outlook" series. The question of increasing the number of such broadcasts is primarily a matter for Radio Telefís Éireann and the Authority.
I accept that the running of the television service is a matter for the authority. Surely there would be an element of policy involved in this matter. In these circumstances, would the Minister not be prepared to take a sympathetic interest and personally direct or persuade the authority to initiate some such programmes? I can assure him that they would be widely welcomed indeed and would represent a considerable social advance.
I agree with the Deputy's general observations about the social desirability of this development. I shall communicate his observations and my sympathy with them to the RTE Authority. I am not, however, in a position to direct RTE on such a matter. The only ministerial power I would have to exercise would be to authorise, if necessary, an extension of broadcasting hours to provide such programmes. I would be prepared to do that if a proposition were before me from RTE. I shall keep in touch with the authority on this matter and keep the Deputy informed.