Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister ensure that the Ryder Cup will be free-to-air for Irish viewers? I understand the promoters have reached an agreement with Sky television whereby the latter will have the sole rights to broadcast the competition. RTE, meanwhile, can show only delayed highlights. This is simply not good enough for the vast majority of Irish golf enthusiasts, including many young people. Only one in four households avail of Sky's services and there may be major expense for a significant number of golf enthusiasts in securing access to live broadcasts.

Will the Minister give a commitment on behalf of the Government in this regard? I understand the consultation period has finished. The Minister has made some hard statements on behalf of viewers. Will he confirm that RTE viewers will enjoy this historical competition, the third largest sporting event in the world, free-to-air?

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