Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
33. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she would support a review of the GAAGO subscription model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23666/23]
View answerWhile sports bodies receive support from the Exchequer through Sport Ireland, it is necessary for them to generate commercial and other revenue streams to ensure that they can continue to support games and athlete development at all levels.
A challenge that faces all sports bodies in this regard, is to strike the right balance between generating revenue and ensuring as wide an audience as possible for their games. As independent bodies, the management of broadcasting and commercial rights are a matter for each national governing body, including the GAA.
As Minister I have no role in this area of broadcasting rights, and as I have stated previously on this matter, I do not believe that it is appropriate for me to intervene directly. The Joint Oireachtas Committee has stated that a number of sports bodies and broadcasters, including the GAA and RTÉ will be invited to appear and discuss the matter, and I think that that would be an appropriate forum.
Last week, both the GAA and RTÉ indicated that there will be a review of GAAGO after the season is concluded. I am sure that, in the normal course of such a review, the range of views and concerns which have been expressed over the past number of weeks will considered.
