The Government has published legislation allowing broadcasters to screen designated major sporting events on free-to-air television.
The order allows qualifying broadcasters - RTE and TV3 - to secure High Court orders to broadcast the events if no agreement can be reached with event organisers.
The Government put together a list of designated events last October, which was ratified by the European Union last month. The list includes Ireland's home and away fixtures for the qualifying stages of the European Championships, the Rugby World Cup, and the Olympics.
The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern, said today he was confident the legislation would be passed in time to ensure Ireland's next European qualifying game on June 7th will be free-to-air.
