IN a surprise move last night the Government accepted a private member's Bill from Fianna Fail designed to protect sporting and other events from being bought exclusively by pay television.
The Bill, presented by the party's spokeswoman on arts, culture and heritage, Ms Sile de Valera, is entitled the Heritage and Cultural Event (Televisual Access Protection) Bill.
Its acceptance is a clear indication that the Government knows there is not enough time for its own broadcasting proposals, prepared by the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, to be considered by the current Dail.
Ms de Valera outlined the sort of events she wanted protected. They include the All-Ireland series, rugby and soccer internationals and such events as the Tall Ships Race, the World Equestrian Games and the Tour de France.
Without her legislation, she said, there was a "very great danger that some of these special major events in 1998 will fall into the grips of a television mogul."
The Bill would allow the Minister to list events which must be available on a universal television service. There is similar legislation in Britain and France, and the EU Commission is currently investigating ways to introduce similar proposals for the EU.
