John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

In that context, from the time we commenced the sports tourism initiative, which is administered by Fáilte Ireland, we have sponsored a total of 102 events to the end of 2005 with a funding allocation of some €29.64 million. To date in 2006, the initiative has supported 16 events, not only in golf but also in other sports such as yachting, showjumping, rugby, athletics, motor racing and windsurfing.

It is the case that RTE can negotiate freely with Sky with a view to sorting out this problem. Ireland is a relatively low market in comparison to Sky's potential market in terms of this event.

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