Vol. 557 No. 2
151 Mr. O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the distress suffered by many families who purchased tickets for an event (details supplied); if she is investigating the collapse of the project; if purchasers of tickets can expect compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21707/02]
I am aware of the distress that has been caused to many people by the cancellation of the event referred to. I am also aware that, apart from those who paid by credit card, it would appear the remainder will be out of pocket for the amount that they have paid the promoter. I am not aware of any scheme which could provide compensation in situations like this.
Depending on the exact circumstances in each case, the legal position is likely to be either that the promoter is in breach of contract, which would be a civil matter, or the promoter may have committed theft or fraud, in which case it would be a matter for the Garda Síochána. It would be important that everyone who has contracted with the promoter should inform the Garda so that this can be taken into account in any action that they deem advisable.
If there have been breaches of company law, the investigation of such breaches of company law is now a matter for the director of corporate enforcement.
