A Fianna Fail motion calling for urgent legislation to protect national sporting events from exclusive use by satellite television was lost despite passionate contributions from several speakers. The Fianna Fail group's spokesman on arts, culture and heritage, Mr Paschal Mooney, has consistently raised the matter in recent weeks. A Government amendment, argued by the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, won a vote on the issue by 25 to 19.
The House adjourned until 10.30 a.m today.
