Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I apologise to Senator Paddy Burke; I understood this amendment was ruled out of order. However, I understand the issue and am happy to respond to him. A group from Croke Park, including Councillor Fitzpatrick and various Deputies and Senators, have spoken to me about it. In the course of this engagement, I made the point that I cannot legislate for Croke Park alone. It is an issue that arises throughout the country in regard to various types of functions, mainly sporting events, sometimes concerts and so on.

I have given all the information to the Office of the Attorney General and am awaiting advice. On foot of this advice, I will consult all the concerned groups. Senator Paddy Burke is correct that it is an important issue and I am trying to find the legal basis to deal with it, after which there will be a short period of public consultation. We may be able to enact legislation that goes even further than the Senator suggests in this amendment. I would appreciate if he would wait until I get clarity on this issue. I have told all the groups of my plan and they seem content to be consulted on the basis of an agreed legislative framework.