Under-fire Ryan seeks report to bolster free-to-air plan

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Eamon Ryan, under fire for proposals to make crucial rugby matches “free-to-air”, has commissioned a report on “events of major importance to society” to bolster his plans.

The Department of Communications has advertised for an “experienced and skilled consultant” to supply the report to Mr Ryan within two months.

“The contract is to research, analyse, and evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and financial aspects and impacts of the designation of events of major importance to society, for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest,” the tender for the contract reads.