MINISTER for Sport Mary Hanafin kicked to touch in the row between Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan and the IRFU about the designation of significant matches as free-to-air for television.

Ms Hanafin told the Dáil she had extended the date for the consultation process until July 4th. “There is a need to maintain a balance between the rights of the public to have free to air access to sports events and the rights of sporting bodies to fund and thereby sustain and develop their sport.”

During question time in the House Ms Hanafin said Mr Ryan was required to consult her before introducing any proposals to change the designated list of protected events.

The Minister for Communications wants to add both the international Six Nations series and the Heineken European Cup to the list of events that are deemed free-to-air but the IRFU said it would destroy the game.

Ms Hanafin said she had met the IRFU and had already had informal discussions with Mr Ryan.

“He has now written to me seeking my views and I intend to fully engage with the Minister on this issue” and consult the relevant national governing bodies further, she said.

Fine Gael sports spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said it was “disturbing that the Minister does not appear to have a point of view”.

However Ms Hanafin said: “I accept there are arguments on both sides”, which was why the consultation period had been extended.