Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I think we should take a common sense approach to everything we do. I was interested to learn that Deputy McManus supports the proposal to make the Heineken Cup and the Six Nations free-to-air.

This process allows people to set out their views and to take account of different arguments. It is set out on a statutory basis. We started one year ago by putting the matter out for public consultation and we received a range of submissions. I, as Minister, then issued a list of suggestions regarding which events should be broadcast on a designated free-to-air basis and, having considered these suggestions, designated certain events. These designated events are subject to a further period of consultation so that people can have their say before we go to Europe to get approval and give the decision a legal basis which will require broadcasters' compliance. The process is based on consultation and I look forward to everyone's involvement. The involvement of this House is particularly important and I welcome that Deputies on all sides hold differing views.

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