Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

The Ryder Cup, which is a major sporting event, will have taken place in Ireland by the time the House meets again in the autumn. It is a major coup for Ireland to have attracted what is probably the third largest sporting event that will take place in the world this year. It is obvious that the organisers of the event have serious worries about controlling the crowds which are expected and implementing the various regulations which are needed in the interests of the safety of those who will visit the area and those who will be involved in all aspects of the event. The chief executive officer of the K Club, Mr. Michael Davern, has sent a letter to all property owners in the area, clearly indicating what I see as a serious situation. Mr. Davern has demanded that all property owners should sign and accept certain rules and regulations if they intend to have any visitors or guests on their property during the course of the event.

I find it disturbing that it is stated, near the end of the letter, that the policies and regulations outlined in the letter will be governed and construed under English law. It is hard to know exactly what that means. Nobody has been able to explain it to me in any way. Does it mean that Ryder Cup Limited, which is an English-based company, has no confidence in the ability of the Irish people to run a major event like the Ryder Cup? Is the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, aware of the organisers' statement that this requirement will be imposed?

It seems, in effect, that in a selected area, Irish law will be dispensed with and English law will be transposed for the duration of the event. I would like the Leader to ask the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, whether he is aware of these conditions and, if so, whether he has accepted them. Similarly, does the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, know about these regulations and does he agree with them? Given that we have heard many rousing republican speeches from the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, I do not know how he can accept the conditions which have been laid down for this event.