Minster to Consider Ryder Cup For “Free To Air” Designation

7th October 2006, Press Release

In response to a question from Deputy Catherine Murphy (Ind) regarding broadcast restrictions that may be placed on next years Ryder Cup, Minister Noel Dempsey has informed the Dáil that he intends to carry out his review of events in the running for free-to-air classification later this year and that the Ryder Cup 2006 would be among those considered. 

Murphy has welcomed the news stating, “it’s definitely a step in the right direction as had the Minister waited until his deadline of April 2006 I very much doubt provisions and preparations could have been made for next years Ryder Cup to be included. We’re not there yet though so it’s important to stress what a positive effect including the Ryder Cup in the free-to-air category would have for the people of Kildare and Ireland as a whole considering that the K-Club in Kildare is to host the event.”

The Minister for Communications, Marine & National Resources is legally obliged to consult with the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, along with event organisers, free-to-air broadcasters and the public prior to carrying out a review of events that are to be designated as free-to-air. His decision must meet with EU approval and all of this must take place before April 2006.  Murphy had, prior to Minister Dempsey’s statement, been concerned that failure to carry out this review in 2005 would lessen the chances of the Ryder Cup being included as a free-to-air event however has now admitted to feeling somewhat encouraged by the Minister’s response.

“This is a very important event not only for Kildare but for Ireland.  We’ll be playing host to the very bests golfers in the world and it’s only right that Irish people should be allowed to see the event unfold so they too can feel included.  Lets not forget too that the Ryder Cup has a very positive role to play in Ireland-EU relations, very rarely do people from all over Europe come together as a collective fan-base to support one team but this annual event gives us a chance to do just that.  We need to encourge this sense of Europeaness wherever possible and Minister Dempsey has a chance to do his part by making the event available for viewing on Irish terrestrial television channels.”

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Posted by catherinemurphy on October 7, 2005. Filed under Communications & Energy,In the Dáil. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.