Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
53. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will intervene in the matter of GAA matches not being broadcast on a free-to-air basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23197/23]
View answerOther than those events which are designated for broadcast as free to air, the question of which sporting events are broadcast, and how they are broadcast, is primarily a matter for the sports body concerned together with their broadcast partner.
The GAA have commercial agreements in place to provide for extensive coverage of Gaelic Games, and the provincial and All Ireland championships in particular. The revenue generated from these agreements is re-invested by the GAA at all levels from grassroots to elite.
The structure of the GAA Championship has changed this year, and a greater number of matches will be played over a shorter timeframe that governs the season. As the Taoiseach commented, it would simply not be practical to broadcast all GAA matches. However, I understand that RTÉ are committed to broadcasting the same number of GAA matches free to air this year as were available last year.
It must also be borne in mind that RTÉ, as a public service broadcaster, has an obligation to provide a broad range of programmes for the benefit and enjoyment of the entire community. Ultimately, given RTÉ’s statutory independence, editorial decisions are a matter for RTÉ and is not an area where I can intervene.
The designation of major events as free to air, including sports events, is a statutory process which is not intended to designate an entire competition or all of one particular sport’s events. It is intended to ensure free to air coverage of major events and events involving national teams. The criteria which must be fulfilled in order to designate an event are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009 and are informed by Ireland’s obligations under EU Law. The list must be approved by the European Commission.
I am reviewing the results of an initial public consultation on events which may potentially be considered for designation. The process provides for further consultation with members of the public, broadcasters and sports bodies. I intend to progress the review process shortly, and this will allow all interested parties to make their views known. An independent assessment of the economic impact of potential designation will also take place, and all of this will inform any decisions on the future designation of events.
