Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 1

Written Answers. - Concerts' Security Costs.

Seán Ryan

Question:

47 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the promoters of rock concerts are making a sufficient contribution towards the cost of security for same; and if, in view of the cost to the State for the recent Slane concert, he proposes to change the current policy.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

The function of the Garda Síochána at rock concerts and other major public events is to prevent breaches of the peace and to ensure the safety and welfare of those attending such events as well as safeguarding the property of local residents. This includes large-scale sporting and recreation events such as major GAA matches, soccer and rugby internationals, concerts and community festivals. The promoters or organisers of such events are responsible for security inside their respective venues, and they are charged a fee in respect of any gardaí who are on-duty, known as non-public duty, within the venue.

In regard to the recent concert in Slane, it was a matter for the Garda authorities to decide, in the light of the particular circumstances of the event, what level of policing was necessary in order to ensure the safety and welfare both of those attending the concert and the local residents and their property. It is clear that as a result of the policing arrangements made that the concert passed off without serious incident and the gardaí are to be complimented for ensuring that this was the case.

The responsibility for maintaining public order in public places, which includes the vicinity of major public events, is a matter for the Garda Síochána. There are no proposals to change this. In line with the recommendation of the Hamilton Committee on Public Safety and Crowd Control, I do, however, intend to introduce legislation later this year in the proposed Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which will include measures relating to (a) the control of access to public events. (b) seizure of drink, and (c) new licensing arrangements for major music concerts (indoor and outdoor) which will be concerned,inter alia, with the security arrangements for such events. I will be announcing the details of the new legislation in the usual way in due course.