Proinsias De Rossa
Question:163 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, that has been made with regard to the implementation of the Hamilton report on crowd safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Implementation of Hamilton Report.
The principal recommendations of the Hamilon report to which the Deputy refers are (i) the establishment of a national authority for safety at sports grounds and (ii) the preparation of a code of practice for safety at sports grounds.
A working party was established under the auspices of the Department of Education which has recently finalised codes of practice relating to (a) safety at sports grounds and (b) safety at pop concerts and other outdoor musical events. These codes have been prepared following a very detailed consultative process with sporting and other interested groups and organisations. It is intended that these codes of practice will be avilable later in the year.
The recommendation referring to the establishment of the national authority is being considered following completion of the codes of practice.
I am informed by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, that the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill, 1993, which is before the Dáil at present, contains provisions — along the lines of recommendations made by the Hamilton committee — giving the gardaí statutory powers to control access to certain events and to allow for the surrender and seizure of intoxicating liquor, etc. The committee's proposals in relation to licensing arrangements for particular events are being dealt with separately.
In so far as implementation of the recommendations by the Garda Síochána is concerned the Garda authorities report that they use prepared guidelines on operational planning for control of spectators at sporting and other events which gather large crowds. These guidelines include arrangements for policing both outside and inside stadia and on the main routes used by spectators. As part of their planning for major events of this kind the Garda authorities meet the organisers and the necessary arrangements are planned in advance.
In addition, seminars on the subject of public safety and crowd control are held as required by the Garda College, Templemore to ensure that Garda personnel in charge of operations and sections of the ground at major events receive appropriate training.
There are ongoing consultations between my Department and the Departments of Justice and Environment in relation to this matter.