Vol. 499 No. 4
60 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position on legislation to guarantee free air coverage of major sporting events; the events, if any, she proposed; the discussions, if any, held by her to date in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2798/99]
On 20 October 1998, the Government approved my proposals for legislation dealing with this matter. The proposals have been referred to the Attorney General for drafting into a Bill.
The proposals envisage that I may, in consultation with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, by order designate events as events of major importance to society to which access via free television services should be available in the public interest. The Bill itself will not designate any specific events.
The Bill will provide for wide ranging consultation with broadcasters and sports organisations and with the general public with a view to identifying which sports events might be designated. The consultation process will be initiated when the Bill has been enacted.
