Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I referred to the independent analysis of the consultation that took place.

This will inform which events will be brought to the EU for approval, as required. Already, all-Ireland football, hurling and camogie finals are designated for free-to-air coverage. The current review involves an examination of the possibility of designating a number of additional GAA events, such as the quarter- and semi-finals of the All-Ireland series and provincial finals. A number of these are traditionally broadcast free to air already, but we are right to examine the merit of protecting or possibly extending this free-to-air status.

Upon detailed consideration of this report, the final list of events to be designated will be laid before the Houses and will then be submitted to the European Commission for its consideration and approval. What is very important to bear in mind with the designation process is that it is not intended to designate an entire competition or all of one particular sport's events. Rather, the intention is to ensure free-to-air coverage of major national events and events involving national teams. In addition, it is important to remember that designation does not guarantee coverage. It does not and cannot oblige a broadcaster to purchase rights to an event. It is designed to protect certain significant events and ensure they are available free to air.

There are many strong views on this issue and, as such, the debate is to be welcomed. What is important is that the concerns raised by Members of this House, and the sporting public, need to be considered by the GAA and responded to accordingly.

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