Vol. 492 No. 1
193 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will consult all sporting organisations prior to making a decision on the right of access by the public to television coverage of national sporting events of major importance. [13372/98]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 49 on 27 November, 1997 and 35 on 5 February, 1998. As I indicated in those replies the Attorney General has advised that it would be necessary to introduce primary legislation in order to establish a system of listing events of major importance to society with a view to ensuring their continued availability on free-to-air television as envisaged by Article 3A of Directive 97/36/EC. It is intended that there will be consultation with the organisers of events that may fall into this category at the appropriate time.
