Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 9 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

General Scheme of Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Sporting And Recreational Events) Bill 2020: Discussion

Mr. John Newham:

I will take the questions in reverse order and introduce my colleagues to deal with some of the details. To begin with enforcement, the provisions in the Bill introduce the ability for fans or any person to make complaints to the Garda when they see online resale of tickets at inflated prices. There is an opportunity for them to make their complaint and for the Garda to act appropriately.

Regarding the question about designation, I take the Deputy's point. However, it is generally in the interests of venues and promoters to opt in. After all, they are generally part of the cohort of people who do not want the tickets to be resold at inflated prices. Of course, some venues may opt out if they do not foresee having concerts or the like that they believe would fall under this scheme. There are provisions in the legislation for the Minister to designate.

I will ask Clare McNamara to answer some of the other questions.