Tánaiste says reduction of TV licence 'not on the cards' over GAAGO row

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed dissatisfaction that significant GAA matches were being aired on GAAGO instead of on RTÉ, but said a reduction in the TV licence fee is “not on the cards”.

It follows a backlash to matches being shown exclusively on the pay-per-view GAAGO, including the recent Munster Senior Hurling Championship clashes between Limerick and Clare, and Cork and Tipperary.

GAAGO is a joint venture between the GAA and RTÉ.

Fine Gael TD and former Mayo footballer Alan Dillon said he has asked Government ministers to reduce the television licence fee by €50 until the matter is resolved.

A season pass for 38 games airing exclusively on GAAGO costs €79, while individual games are available for €12. A TV licence costs €160 per year.

Mr Martin said it was fair to question the broadcasting decisions of the GAA and RTÉ, but said he was a “consistent believer” in the principle of public service broadcasting, “particularly in a world where democracy is under increasing threat”.

“There’s been much debate over the last number of years around the adequacy of the licence rather than a reduction of the licence, so I don’t believe that a reduction is on the cards at all,” he said.

Mr Martin said there was a need to ensure adequacy of financing of broadcasting and print journalism to “strengthen democracy”, adding: “So I think to reduce the licence by €50 means, in essence, an ending of public service broadcasting.”

However, he said there was a wider issue of a citizen’s access to sport and that it was a “very real political issue” because the Government financially assists sporting organisations and supports RTÉ.

He said there was a legitimate public interest issue in “how often we go to the well” of citizens paying