A paywall should be dropped for 'many if not all' GAA games being broadcast, Finance Minister Michael McGrath has said.
He was speaking amid strong criticism of the GAA Go live-streaming app, with fans angry that key matches are not available on television.
The GAA and RTÉ have been accused of exploiting hurling, by choosing high-profile games for the service.
The two groups been asked before the Oireachtas Sport Committee to answer questions on the issue.
Minister McGrath told The Hard Shoulder action should be taken.
"I think it's an important debate because it really matters to an awful lot of people," he said.
"I'm not going to tell RTÉ or the GAA what to do.
"I would just like to see as many of the games being made available free-to-air as possible - whether that be on television or on the app".
'Better balance'
On the Cork-Tipperary game last weekend, Minister McGrath said: "It's just a shame that hundreds of thousands of people who might have watched that game on a Saturday evening were just denied that opportunity.
"They can't show every game, and I acknowledge that, but I think it's a good debate and hopefully it will lead to a better balance".
'Take down the paywall'
Minister McGrath said he accepts not every game could be shown.
"RTÉ can only show so many games, and there are many games now on at the weekend.
"Perhaps RTÉ and the GAA would be in a position to take down the paywall for many of the games, if not all of the games.
"I know there's a commercial reality, there's an investment by both parties... but I do think as far as possible, they should be making these games available free-to-air," he added.
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