Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure what the response will be - whether we will have any real news or whether there will be more legal tooing and frowing. I hope not, but if we have any news, I will be quite happy to come and talk to the committee about it and outline what the implications are.

Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe's question concerned the legal advice and why it was received so late. We received preliminary legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on 1 February that it was likely that legislation would not be required to allow the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to contribute to a new company limited by guarantee, subject to policy considerations in terms of corporate governance that would merit the introduction of legislation to govern this unique transaction. On 3 April, as the bidding documents and draft agreements were being developed, further clarification was sought from the Attorney General and on 7 April the draft guarantees required by World Rugby were received. We had no control over that deadline, but as soon as they were received, further advice was sought. On 4 May legal advice was received from the Office of the Attorney General that express statutory authority was necessary. That was the first time we had received that advice. At no stage prior to the receipt of that advice could it have been assumed that legislation would be required. Although there were indications as to the likely form the guarantees required would take, the actual drafts were not received from Rugby World Cup until 7 April. The legislation has since been prepared and thoroughly examined by the Office of the Attorney General and departmental officials.

The Deputy spoke about broadcasting rights. I said in the Dáil and the Seanad that they were owned by World Rugby but that under the Act all of Ireland's matches would be available free-to-air.