Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

5:00 am

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)

I have one question which the Minister of State might put to the national broadcaster. I have taken part in the Dublin marathon on seven occasions and in the London marathon on five occasions. People who watch the London marathon in April will know that in terms of BBC coverage it is almost like a national day of volunteerism. This assists people in terms of their sponsorship for the following year and inspires others to take part in the next or any marathon. However, while the Dublin marathon passes Donnybrook, the only coverage of it by RTE is a 20 second clip of the winner and second place participant. We are trying to encourage participation in sports. Jogging is the cheapest, most efficient and handiest of any sport. Anyone with a pair of runners, a couple of pairs of shorts and a T-shirt can jog.

I am not aware of how much RTE spends on coverage of Formula 1 and snooker. There has been much talk about obesity and involving children in sports. As Senator Brennan said it is important we encourage not alone children but adults to participate in sport. I know of a man from Letterkenny who at almost 70 years of age will be taking part in this year's Dublin marathon and will complete it in under four hours. Millions of pounds sterling are collected every year for charity as a result of the London marathon. Anyone watching coverage of that marathon would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by it. RTE has an obligation to promote healthy living in Ireland. Will the Minister of State explain why it does not provide coverage of the Dublin marathon when it provides coverage of other sports throughout the world? RTE's attitude appears to be coverage of any other sport but the Dublin marathon, despite that it passes by its door on the day.

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