Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I think we are all in unison. We want to ensure that legitimate fans and patrons can get access to their particular choice of relaxation, whether that is sport, culture or music and can do so at fair value. We have done that with this Bill after consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny as well as following Private Members Bills proposed by this committee's Chairman, the former Deputy, Noel Rock, and the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. Considerable consultation has gone into this and a capacity of 1,000 was deemed to be proportionate.

If a smaller venue, with a capacity of less than 1,000 is due to hold a big-ticket event that will give rise to much greater demand, it can make an application for that specific event in that venue to protect it in that instance. I would expect that if it is not working as envisaged and smaller operators are falling foul of illegal practices, they can look for a review themselves or they can approach the Department. Under the provisions of the Bill, the Minister of the day has the power to designate a venue with a capacity of less than 1,000.

Earlier the Deputy referred to belts, braces and baling twine. We have plenty of protections here if we find that it is not working for venues with a capacity of under 1,000.