Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When this problem arose the controversy began and it probably will not end now; there may well be court implications. Several people made valid suggestions from a common-sense point of view on how this might be sorted out - in particular, the chairman of the Labour Relations Commission, Kieran Mulvey, who went to considerable lengths to explain what they could do to make this happen and give the fans the opportunity to see an artist in whom they have a particular interest.

Deputy Martin knows the position. Let us suppose the Government decided to intervene with emergency legislation. First of all, we would be accused of doing down the rights of residents, who have rights, of course. Second, we would be accused of interfering with a planning process that the city council has a duty and a responsibility to deal with. That is why it is necessary to look at these issues.

Deputy Martin asked whether this was for the immediate term. Even if we took Deputy Dooley's proposition and his Bill, we are still bound to have a period of public consultation. It is not a case of simply introducing emergency legislation through the Dáil tomorrow. On an issue such as this, in which such large numbers are involved, we need to have a process of public consultation to get it right. I take the Deputy's best effort but in respect of the timeline, the decision on applications by the relevant planning authority and an appeals mechanism, we need to put in place a system that actually works.

In this country we have been renowned for the reception and welcome we give to so many major outdoor events. They have been going on for years and have been planned without any great difficulties other than the usual failings whereby people might get into trouble on the fringes of concerts. We have had them in major GAA stadiums and other locations throughout the country. They have all been planned and all have followed a process and were exceptionally successful. In this case, there were three events earlier in the year and planning for three further events was granted. That was unacceptable to the artist, who wanted five. Obviously, the costs involved in these things are enormous. We will give attention to Deputy Dooley's observations and look at the specific issues, but it is not for decision this week.

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