Vol. 450 No. 8
165 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a scheme to ensure that private individuals or commercial organisations who hold public functions on a profit-making basis contribute to the cost of the extra Garda manpower and hours required to police such events. [6160/95]
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 recreational 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 within the venue, known as non-public duty.
While there are no plans to charge for the additional policing costs associated with the maintaining of public order at events of this nature, the charges for non-public duty are reviewed on a regular basis.
