Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
187. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to support a dedicated Irish sports TV channel, which could be a viable and even lucrative project for his Department, this Government, RTÉ and the Irish people, if it is pursued seriously with all potential stakeholders on board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined in response to a similar question in May last year, Coimisiún na Meán, in conjunction with relevant media and sports organisations, has been tasked with leading on developing a Strategic Plan for Sports Broadcasting and Promotion as recommended by the Future of Media Commission. This 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. Development of this strategy is being progressed by An Coimisiún in collaboration with Sport Ireland and involves consultation with relevant sports bodies and their individual strategic priorities.
Sport occupies an important role in the Irish cultural landscape, and this is reflected in the prominence given to sports coverage by both our public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, as they cater to the interests of their viewers.
As mentioned in my response last May, it is still my understanding that neither public service broadcaster is actively considering the establishment of a dedicated sports channel 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. Section 98 of the 2009 Broadcasting Act provides for the independence of RTÉ and TG4 in pursuit of their objects and as such it is a matter for the broadcasters.
In addition to our public service broadcasters’ provision of sports coverage, the important role of commercial, independent 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.
