Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to clarify what I said earlier. I do not want any ambiguity whatsoever. This has to be totally black and white. I said that if it was not to be index-linked, €3,000, on summary, or €1.3 million, on indictment, in the year 2020, for example, would not be a great deal. I was merely making the point that index-linking would overcome all difficulties. There is no question of inserting anything in the Bill about 2020 or 2030. I was merely providing an example. Fines which were set in legislation in 1981 are not appropriate in 2003. It would be much more sensible if they had been index-linked.

I have no intention of transgressing into the responsibilities of other Ministers. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has general responsibility in that field. However, with regard to insurance, the Licensing of Indoor Events Bill provides for insurance cover, not only for the event but also for the full duration of same. I appreciate that every type of insurance must be dealt with. It is a fixed charge which makes it almost prohibitive for some businesses to survive. All public representatives have experience of this problem. The Government appreciates the seriousness of the matter and the Minister hopes to be able to do something about it. We must remember that it is the private sector which is offering the service. The Tánaiste made it clear that she intends to do something about it. I hope it will be index-linked by next year. That should overcome the concerns of Senators Bannon and Kitt.