asked the Minister for Justice when the report of the task force set up to examine the safety standards and procedures at our major sports stadia, following the Hillsborough disaster, will be published; and his views on whether legislation is necessary to implement its recommendations.
Written Answers. - Safety at Sports Stadia.
58.
I am informed that it is expected that the Committee on Public Safety and Crowd Control will be making their report to the Government towards the end of January.
The committee have already submitted certain interim findings including recommendations that Garda powers on such matters as erecting barriers on the approaches to stadia grounds, diverting traffic and pedestrains, searching for and confiscating offensive weapons, missiles and alcohol, should be put on a statutory footing. I have already made arrangements for the implementation of these recommendations by the introduction of amendments to the Offensive Weapons Bill which is currently before the House.
It is not possible to say in advance of receipt of the final report whether implementation will require other legislative measures.