Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
108. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is engaging with the Garda Commissioner to ensure large sporting events will not be vulnerable to unrest or rioting like what was seen in Dublin recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55747/23]
View answerThe Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Adare and the EURO 2028 football championships, which UEFA recently announced will be held in Ireland and the UK.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it should prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities.
Safety and security at major sporting events are matters in the first instance for the event organisers and An Garda Síochána. The specific policing and security requirements vary for each major sport event as the event requirements, spectator numbers and venues are unique to each event. During planning for such major events, my Department engages with all relevant stakeholders including the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to ensure that adequate provision is made for the safe and successful hosting of such events within Ireland.
