John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been requested to raise the issue of pay-per-view broadcasting of sports events. The group that contacted me wishes to keep Gaelic games free to air. Negotiations on broadcasting rights have commenced between the GAA and various companies. This is a major issue which affects all sports. At the weekend, for example, the British Open was broadcast for the first time on Sky Sports, having been broadcast previously on the BBC. Some Senators may recall that under a deal agreed between the GAA and Sky, 14 games were broadcast for the first time on an exclusively pay-per-view basis. Ordinary supporters believed they had not been consulted at the time and they fear the number of pay-per-view games will increase in this round of negotiations. Having discussed the issue formally at a committee, I understand it is a matter for the governing bodies and television companies. At the same time, the Government has a role to play in the matter. In the case of Gaelic games, the only games ring-fenced, if one likes, for terrestrial television coverage are all-Ireland finals. If they wished, the governing bodies could agree to have all other games broadcast on a pay-per-view basis. The GAA has done tremendous work in promoting its games. I commend Senator Billy Lawless for his contribution on the diaspora. In this regard, the GAAGO platform allows thousands of followers of Gaelic games living abroad to tune into games and connect with Irish culture, which is important. A review of the sports events to be shown on terrestrial television was carried out in 2014. I raise this issue because all hell broke loose three years ago when the broadcasting rights to certain GAA games were sold to Sky Sports. Given that the issue is under negotiation, I request that the Leader ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his views on the matter.