Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I wish the Bill a speedy passage in the Dáil. It is important to get it in place within a short period. On Second Stage I criticised the delays that led to the Bill being necessary. Decisions that could have avoided the pending arbitration and High Court action could have been taken in 1999 or 2000. However, this does not reflect on the Minister because he acted in haste.

One remaining imponderable factor is the contractual arrangement between the FAI and Sky Sports. I do not know in what way it will hop. It is sad when the Government has to interfere in a bona fide contractual arrangement because it does not set a good example for corporate Ireland. Nonetheless, the spirit and intent of the Bill will enable the free-to-air televising of major events to viewers at no extra expense.

Question put and agreed to.