The Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, will finalise a list of sporting and cultural events for designation under free-to-air broadcasting laws within the next fortnight, it has been confirmed.
A spokesman for the Minister said yesterday Mr Ahern intended to draw up a final list of designated events by early September with a view to "enshrining it in legislation at the earliest possible opportunity".
He was speaking following a series of meetings yesterday between the Minister and representatives of the State's main sporting bodies.
Delegations from the FAI, led by its general secretary, Mr Brendan Menton; the IRFU, by its chief executive, Mr Philip Browne; and the GAA, by its president, Mr Sean McCague, held separate talks with the Minister who was accompanied by Department officials.
A spokesman for the IRFU reiterated that it had to be able to negotiate in an open market for television rights so it was not "at the mercy of a monopoly" in the form of RTÉ.
A spokesman for the GAA drew attention to its earlier statement that it had "no objection in principle" to the proposals outlined in the draft list of protected sports events.
It is unclear whether the list will effect the FAI's deal with Sky Sports over the broadcast of domestic games.
