Ahern under fire over Euro 2004 TV rights

Bertie Ahern has come under fire in the Dáil over the Government's failure to prevent today's Ireland-Switzerland Euro 2004 qualifier from only being broadcast on British television.

The game will only be available live on Sky Sports, despite European legislation which gives the Irish Government the power to insist that it is broadcast on terrestrial free-to-air TV.

Responding to questions in the Dáil this morning, Mr Ahern said the Government has done all it can within the law to block the deal between the FAI and Sky, which saw the rights to Ireland's home and away internationals sold to the subscription-based British broadcaster.

Mr Ahern added that he hopes the problem can be sorted out before the next qualifier early next year.