Vol. 421 No. 2
5 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the expense incurred by the State in the special security operation put into effect for the recent rock concert in Slane, County Meath; whether it is intended to introduce legislation to require the promoters of rock concerts, and other such events, to contribute towards the expense incurred by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
25 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the expense incurred in the special security operation mounted for the rock concert in Slane Castle; and whether it is intended to introduce legislation to require the promoters of concerts to contribute towards the extra Garda expense incurred.
39 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice if he will confirm a statement made by a member of the Garda that the cost to the public arising from a rock concert held at Slane Castle, County Meath, in May was £250,000; and if he will also confirm that he intends introducing legislation in regard to similar types of events around the country.
92 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Síochána have compiled the costs of mounting the security operation for the recent rock concert at Slane; and if so, if he will give a breakdown of same.
I propose to take Priority Question No. 5 and Questions Nos. 25, 39 and 92 together.
With regard to the recent concert at Slane, it was a matter for the Garda authorities to decide, in the light of the circumstances of the event, what level of policing was necessary in order to ensure the safety and welfare of those attending the concert and the local residents and their property. It is clear that as a result of the policing arrangements made the concert passed off without serious incident and the Garda are to be complimented for their efforts in this regard.
The cost of the operation was in the region of £150,000. This figure includes overtime, Saturday and Sunday allowance, travel expenses and subsistence allowance. It does not include an amount in respect of pay and other costs which would have been incurred by the Garda Síochána in the normal course.
The responsibility for maintaining law and order in public places, which includes the vicinity of large-scale sporting and recreational events such as major GAA matches, soccer and rugby internationals, concerts and community festivals, is a matter for the Garda Síochána and there are no proposals to change this.
In line with the recommendations of the Hamilton Committee on Public Safety and Crowd Control, I do, however, intend to introduce legislation later this year in the proposed Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which will include measures relating to (a) the control of access to public events, (b) seizure of drink and (c) new licensing arrangements for major music concerts (indoor and outdoor) which will be concerned, inter alia, with the security arrangements for such events. I will be announcing the details of the new legislation in the usual way in due course.
I thank the Minister for the information he gave to the House. Will he explain why he estimated it cost £150,000 to police this event when a senior member of the Garda Síochána indicated that it cost £250,000? Will he also indicate whether he agrees with the view that where a major, once-off event is held — a pop concert or other event — which will generate major substantial funds and profits for those organising the event, it is reasonable to have legislation which allows the State to impose a levy towards meeting some of the additional policing and security cost to the State?
I did ask for brevity, especially at the conclusion of Priority Questions. Time is exhausted.
Perhaps you would allow me to finish the question. Would the Minister agree that when a once off event of this nature is held which gives rise to major security costs of an exceptional nature, it is not unreasonable for the State to have the power to charge the promoters of such events a levy so that they contribute a portion of the policing and special security costs? Would he consider this suggestion?
The Deputy raised the question of the difference between the figure suggested in the national media and the actual cost. It would appear that the chief superintendent included costs that would have been incurred by the State in any event such as Garda pay and the use of Garda vehicles. The net cost is about £150,000. I can give a breakdown of this figure if need be. I do not think that it would be wise to charge every organisation involved in promoting a major concert.
I am not suggesting that.
I am pleased to hear it. The general public are entitled to feel that the Garda Síochána are paid from public funds to provide security and protect their property. I think the Deputy will be pleased with what we have in mind so far as the new licensing arrangements are concerned. I am satisfied that these will lead to a reduction in the number of gardaí that will be required to deal with these matters in the future. We will wait and see how this works out.
We must now proceed to other questions. Question No. 6.
