Sky’s rights to broadcast GAA championship games may come under the microscope, following the launch by the Communications Minister of a public consultation on what should be free to air because of its cultural or societal importance.

Pat Rabbitte is seeking views on what national events should be listed as free for everyone to enjoy on RTÉ, TV3 or TG4 and has promised to consider all submissions.

Under broadcasting laws, the list has to be reviewed every three years, and is judged on the extent to which an event has a “special general resonance for the people of Ireland”.

The All-Ireland hurling and football finals are included but not the provincial rounds.

The GAA announced in April that Sky would replace TV3 as rights holders for the All-Ireland championships, with 14 exclusive games including two All-Ireland football quarter finals. They will also show the All-Ireland hurling and football semi-finals and finals live on a shared basis with RTÉ. The national broadcaster remains the dominant rights holders with access to 31 games, including all six provincial finals, two hurling and football quarter-finals, four All-Ireland semi-finals and both finals.

Announcing the consultation, Minister Rabbitte said: “It is important that national events which are of great significance to Ireland be shown free to air and be available for us all to enjoy. I would urge all interested parties and members of the public to submit their views to my Department, which I will ensure are considered and will assist me in making my decision.”

* Submissions can be made by August 1 to majorevents@dcenr.gov.ie or: Maria Owens, Major Events Coverage, Broadcasting Policy Division, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.

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