Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish all those who put on events well. They have had a tough time this year due to the pandemic. I look forward to going to football matches, watching bands and listening to live music again.

I welcome the legislation. As stated by Deputy Quinlivan, it is unfortunate that this Bill comes many years too late for thousands of people who have been the victims of ticket touting. I welcome that community groups, sports organisations and charities are exempted from its provisions as millions of euro are raised by genuine groups for many good causes.

Like many others, I have personal experience of the sheer frustration of missing a major event because I could not get a ticket. I attended my first all-Ireland final in 1983 when the "12 apostles" beat a spirited Galway team. I know Galway people have a different take on that team and what they would call it. If we roll on to 1995, which was the next time Dublin won an all-Ireland, I stood outside Croke Park with thousands of others trying to get tickets. There were so many people there selling handfuls of tickets at exorbitant prices. This happens at venues across a range of events in the arts, music and sport. It is deeply upsetting to see it happen. Every year since then, I have seen young people outside venues or trying to get tickets online for various events. It is frustrating to see how quickly tickets are snapped up, in particular online. I look forward to the Bill preventing that practice and allowing people to enjoy concerts at cost price.

Enforcement is a critical aspect of this legislation and, unfortunately, all other legislation. I look forward to the Garda working with people to ensure the Bill makes the difference it is intended to achieve. There is no point putting legislation in place if there is no plan or strategy to enforce it. I look forward to supporting the Bill in the House and enjoying concerts and matches in the near future.

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