Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the European Rugby Cup competition will continue to be televised free to air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34277/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The question of whether the Heineken European Rugby Cup competition is televised is in the first instance a matter for the organisers of the event together with interested broadcasters. Where the event is to be televised it is again a matter for the organisers of the event and the relevant broadcaster or broadcasters to determine whether the event is broadcast live, in full and whether it will be broadcast on a free television service or on a subscription service. I have no function in these matters.

The Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 designates a number of sporting events as events of major importance to society which should, in the public interest, continue to be made available on free-to-air television services in Ireland. The Heineken European Rugby Cup competition has not been designated under the Act.