Govt publishes list of free-to-air sports events

A list of major sports events to be made available on free-to-air television was today published by the Government.

Events including Ireland’s home and away qualifying games in the European soccer championships and the World Cup were included in the announcement by communications minister Dermot Ahern.

But the minister said the Government would not be able to facilitate the broadcasting on free to air television of tomorrow’s match against Switzerland.

Other events on the list included the Olympics, the All-Ireland Senior Hurling and Football finals and the Irish Derby and Grand National.

Ireland’s home rugby matches will be also be shown on terrestrial TV but will not be broadcast live.

Mr Ahern said: “The publication of this list today draws to an end the consultation process, both with the public and the sports bodies, which we entered into during the summer.

“There has been an enormous response to our consultation process. The majority of the public has made it clear they want major sports events on free-to-air television.

“In particular, following the success of the Irish soccer team in the World Cup, the public want the home qualifying games for the European Championship and World Cup on terrestrial television.”

Parliamentary approval for the list now has to be given before it is submitted to the European

Commission for final approval.