Minister for Communications Alex White has said there is a strong case for keeping the Six Nations rugby championship free for Irish television viewers.

The Minister confirmed that he is considering adding Ireland’s home matches in the Six Nations to a list of free-to-air events that includes the GAA All Ireland finals.

“I think there is a case if you look at the Six Nations – the question I have to ask is does it have a distinct cultural significance or importance for Irish people? I think there is a strong case for it,” said Mr White.

“Anyone can see the success including the success on television as a television event with access for so many people to be able to see this,” he added.

Mr White told RTÉ's television's The Week in Politics programme that a list of free-to-air events was reviewed every three years.

“I think there is a strong case for it but there is no decision yet. The act requires that I consult in particular with sporting bodies and I will do that and I look forward to doing that with the broadcasters RTÉ, TV3, TG4 and UTV – they will all be part of the picture and part of the decision, so there is no decision yet but I think there is a case for this.”

Asked about the opposition of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to the move, he replied: “I will respect what they have to say.”

The Minister is due to bring a report to cabinet on the matter shortly.

At present the Six Nations is designated free-to-air only for deferred television coverage and RTÉ pays just over €4 million a year for the broadcast rights.

John Feehan, chief executive of Six Nations Rugby, said last month that he wished to explore the option of selling the rights next year to satellite television companies to increase the revenues from the tournament.

The IRFU has stated its view that the Six Nations should not be designated as a free-to-air event in this country.