Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Graeme McDowell who plays at Royal Portrush Golf Club is referred to as an Irishman because the sport of golf is also united on the island. It is shameful that the one sport which could unite and have a deep impact on both traditions on this island is separated.

I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy O'Keeffe, to the House to address an issue which is becoming scandalous, as reported on the back page of the Irish Independent today, namely, the increasing percentage charged by Ticketmaster in purchasing tickets for various sports and music events. Its outrageous justification, quoted in the newspaper, is that the service charge which it is alleged will rise to one third of the price of a ticket is to meet the cost of manufacture and despatch of tickets. As somebody who has been involved in concerts promotion for most of my working life - other Members, including the Leader, have also been so involved - if I were to suggest that an extra few euro should be added and that people should be told it was to meet the cost of printing and conveying tickets to wherever they were to be sold, I would be laughed out of court by some. This is a scandal and I ask the Leader to consider bringing the Minister to the House in order that we can inquire whether legislation can be passed to stop this insidious practice.