Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I join my colleague in thanking the Minister for coming to the House to discuss this subject. What happened last weekend should never be allowed to happen again. Concerts are very lucrative events for promoters but it is time we adopted a no tolerance approach. Does the Minister agree with that, particularly in light of the violence, abuse and the damage that occurred? Nine people were stabbed in separate incidents, there were 33 arrests and 70 other charges of public order, drink related and drug related offences. The footage shown on television last week caused great concern to many people.

I welcome the Minister's recent statement that what happened last weekend was unusual, in the first instance, and most unacceptable. I also read with great interest that the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, indicated that the Phoenix Park should not be utilised for such concerts again. Carrying knives in such a premeditated manner gives rise to great concern. There is also the selling of drugs and cheap promotional alcohol, which has been the subject of much discussion in this House recently, as well as other substances. We need to target the promoters and ask questions of the Garda. Is the Minister satisfied that sufficient precautions were taken last weekend? Was there adequate security and a sufficient Garda presence, including on the part of the drug and riot squads, the dog unit and the emergency response unit? Does the Minister believe it is time to adopt a no-tolerance approach to such events?

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