Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

On a previous occasion I raised the matter of televising sports events. I am aware that, in the last few days, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources listed various events which will be designated in future, but I am disappointed that people will have to watch a crucial match this evening on Sky Sports and will have to pay for that privilege. The Minister started consultations on the list last July, but he could not finalise the issue to include tonight's game. It is interesting that legislation referring to this matter was in both Houses in 1999 and one must ask why the Government delayed designating these events. I worry about what will happen in the future. Will the State be sued for negligence on this issue?