Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport if she has received representations from the Irish Rugby Football Union regarding the threat to income that the change in broadcasting arrangements will pose for the organisation; if she is concerned that this will jeopardise the development of the sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20602/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I recently met with representatives of the Irish Rugby Football Union who briefed me on the organisation's opposition to the proposals by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to make a number of additions to the current list of designated events of major importance to society, thus making them free-to-air for Irish television viewers. The IRFU considers that any form of change to the existing designated list would have a very significant impact on revenues to the organisation which would impact greatly on its grass roots programmes and lead to an exodus of professional players to other jurisdictions. The IRFU advised me that the proposals would undermine the economic model on which the funding of Irish rugby is based.

I have also met representatives of the GAA to discuss the proposals as they relate to Gaelic games although the proposals do not have the same impact on the GAA as they do on rugby.

Under legislation, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is required to consult with me before bringing forward any changes to the designated list. I already had informal discussions with the Minister about his proposals. He has now written to me seeking my views and I intend to fully engage with the Minister on this issue while consulting further with the relevant national governing bodies.

There is a need to maintain a balance between the rights of the public to have free to air access to sports events and the rights of sporting bodies to fund and thereby sustain and develop their sport.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am not sure after that reply whether the Minister agrees with the IRFU or with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. There are all kinds of perspectives involved - sport, tourism and Ireland's image abroad generally. Professional rugby is the second most successful sport Ireland has after horse racing and is one for which we are well known in Europe. It reflects very well on all of us to have the kind of name we have in rugby.

I do not know whether the Minister understands the fragile nature of the funding model rugby has in conjunctions with its partners, namely, the unions and various federations around Europe. If the linchpin of that funding model is pulled out the whole edifice collapses. As the Minister noted, there are four professional teams and there is no way they could be maintained without present funding. They will lose players to other clubs in Britain, France and other countries where rugby is a well-funded sport. Performances will deteriorate and audiences will dwindle away, with a trickle down effect on schools and clubs.

This is a case of the kindly doctor over-prescribing and killing the patient. It may be well motivated but is ill advised. The Minister has a real responsibility to defend the sport and ensure it will survive. I understand there is to be a further consultation period and the Minister is entitled to be consulted, as she should be. I ask her to make the strongest possible representations to her Cabinet colleague in this regard.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The IRFU has engaged in a number of partnerships. One such is with the Government in so far as between 2006 and 2010 more than €17.5 million was invested directly in the IRFU, outside of any capital expenditure. One may consider the €191 million that went into the Aviva stadium which opened only last week. The organisation also has commercial partnerships and is tied into these with other countries and these issues also must be considered.

Sport is for all and should be for all and participation at the broadest base possible should be encouraged. That is one of my aims. However, there is a balance to be found between participation by viewers and being able to encourage the sport at grass roots level while maintaining the professional element involved. There is no doubt that rugby has given us great sporting heroes and great success in recent years. That success breeds success because the sport has expanded hugely on the ground.

The IRFU made very strong arguments in regard to its financial commitments and its commercial partnerships and how it spends that money, not only in supporting professional players but in supporting the development of junior players, which last I support. On the other hand, there are very good arguments to be made about ensuring people can have access to viewing our great games and our national games. This balance now must be discussed during the consultation process. It is about who we are.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The national games are-----

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I accept there are arguments on both sides. That is why the consultation period has been extended until 4 July, which will give people ample opportunity to be able to make their case. I will make a formal submission to the Minister but I will also be engaging with the IRFU.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is disturbing that the Minister does not appear to have a point of view. She has outlined the arguments on both sides but what is her perspective on the matter? Does she support the IRFU and the case being made that this will destroy Irish rugby, or does she support the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, who had a rush of blood to the head when he thought an Irish side would get into the Heineken Cup final?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The value of a consultation process and my being a formal part of it is that we can have engagement, as we have had already on an informal level. The formal process will take place between now and 4 July to balance the different arguments. I will be carrying all the different views into that consultation.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Is that a "Yes" or a "No"?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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That is what the consultation will be about.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have to hand it to the Minister. She is good.