Formal clarification sought on sports deals

The Chairman of the Dail's European Affairs Committee is to seek formal clarification from the European Commission about the powers of the Irish government in relation to the protection of terrestrial broadcasting of major sporting events.

The Committee was only established last Tuesday. Gay Mitchell TD is to seek formal clarification from the European Commission about the powers of the Government in relation to the protection of terrestrial broadcasting of major sporting events.

"This clarification is needed following positive comments made by an EU spokesman, Mr Christophe Forax on Morning Ireland this morning," said Deputy Mitchell.