Today's public forum to discuss sporting and cultural events remaining on free-to-air broadcasting stations kicked off in Dublin Castle today without the GAA, FAI and IRFU.
The Minister for Communications, Mr Dermot Ahern, set up the forum following the FAI's decision to sell their broadcasting rights for home Irish soccer internationals to Sky Sports.
Mr Ahern told RTEthis morning he had been notified by the gaelic, rugby and soccer bodies late last week of their intention not to attend today's event without giving any reasons.
With little over 100 people attending today's meeting, Mr Ahern spoke of his disappointment at the main sporting bodies' decision not to attend the forum, which closes the consultation process before a proposed list of events is presented to the Cabinet.