Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

123. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to investigate the possibility of setting up an Irish TV sports channel, where the many sporting activities are broadcast by the national broadcaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22736/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Future of Media Commission (FOMC) recommended that a Strategic Plan for Sports Broadcasting and Promotion be developed. Government accepted the recommendation in principle, and it was agreed that Coimisiún na Meán, in conjunction with relevant media and sports organisations, would lead on developing such a strategy. The strategy is intended to look beyond the traditional broadcast of big events on TV, to the opportunity to showcase more sports, across multiple formats and media, and to promote coverage of sports that are in line with policies designed to encourage a more active population.

Coimisiún na Meán, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, is progressing this matter, including undertaking research on audience expectations, and will continue to develop the strategy in consultation with relevant sports bodies, taking account of the individual sports bodies' own strategic priorities.

With regard to public service broadcasters, given the importance of sport in the Irish cultural landscape, it is appropriate that both RTÉ and TG4 provide a wide range of sporting coverage that cater to the interests of the Irish public. It is, however, my understanding that the establishment of a dedicated sports channel is not under active consideration by either public service broadcaster at the present time. Were such a proposal to be brought forward it would require consent from me as Minister, following a sectoral impact and public interest assessment which would be carried out by Coimisiún na Meán.

While the Strategy will recognise that our public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, are mandated to provide coverage of sporting activities as part of their wide ranging output, the important role of commercial, independent broadcasters, including licensed free to air broadcasters, in providing sports content to the Irish public should also be recognised. As such the whole of sector approach to sports coverage which the Strategy will take, is appropriate and I look forward to receiving it in due course.