FG urges speed-up in protection of sporting events

The Communication Minister Dermot Ahern is being urged to compile a list of protected National sporting events without delay.

The Minister is consulting with the relevant sporting bodies and has pledged to have a list drawn up by the end of next month.

Fine Gael MEP, John Cushnahan, says if he doesn’t do it now, it will be too late for approval by the European Commission.

"The timetable he has set is late August. In my view that will be too late to protect the home nationals in the European soccer cup qualifying fixtures.

"You have got to bring it forward, it should not be difficult to bring up a list, he must do it as a matter of urgency or the commission will not be able to draw up a list."