Vol. 482 No. 1
54 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will enter into discussions with the Football Association of Ireland to explore ways or means by which he can help the FAI to ensure ticket allocation to satisfy the demand for the upcoming soccer fixture against Belgium on 29 October 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17177/97]
The allocation of tickets is a matter for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The FAI operates a distribution system which seeks to ensure an equitable distribution of tickets to their affiliated groups and to people who have previously and consistently purchased tickets for Irish international matches.
The Code of Practice for Safety at Sportsgrounds published in January 1996 emphasises the need to have proper ticket circulation arrangements in place so as to minimise the possibility of tickets falling into the hands of ticket touts. The code of practice was finalised following detailed consultation with the major sporting organisations, including the FAI.
My Department has been in touch with FAI who have stated that out of the ground capacity of 34,240, around 31,500 tickets will be available to Irish spectators at the match at Lansdowne Road.
