Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators who contributed. The debate was largely positive. The Bill marks a positive step forward in the promotion and protection of consumers. It is about ensuring that legitimate fans can get access to tickets at the original value for sporting, music and other cultural events and not be fleeced. It is good, therefore, that we have cross-party support and unanimity in the Seanad.

It is perhaps regrettable that despite the fact that Private Members' Bills were introduced three or four years ago by Opposition Deputies in the Dáil, it has taken so long to have this legislation introduced. There are two aspects to that. There are always competing demands in any Department in terms of drafting legislation. One then has to go through various processes like pre-legislative scrutiny, which, in itself, takes a number of months. It is something we can note going forward. On the charge that the Bill is being rushed through today, no Opposition amendments have been submitted. There is only one amendment coming from the Government. We will deal with this in a timely fashion. I do not think anyone has been prevented from having the opportunity to speak on the Bill. Sometimes it makes sense to do something efficiently. We are criticised by some for not doing what is proposed fast enough and then we are criticised for bringing the Bill forward before the summer recess. We know that we need it now because tickets are at a premium as a result of Covid-19. Obviously, the problem has worsened but the Bill will be of benefit long after Covid. We really need it now, which is why we wanted to get it in before the summer recess.

In response to Senator Crowe, if the primary ticket sellers put their names on the tickets, we would not need this legislation. That is the reason we intervened.

In response to Senator Mullen, I do not know whether to take what he said as a compliment but we will leave that for others to say.

In response to Senator Boyhan, I failed to acknowledge Deputy Denis Naughten, who initiated something similar in 1997, long before my time in the Oireachtas . I am sure the Senator will forgive me for that. The reason we want to get the Bill through before the end of this session is to have it in place when we have restricted numbers in stadia.

Senator Ahern is right. It is about protecting consumers and ensuring genuine fans in getting access to tickets at the original value. The designation in terms of venues with a capacity to hold 1,000 or more is based on the normal capacity of a stadium, not on Covid limits. This is not based on the reduced limits being introduced now because of Covid but, obviously, it will help. The Senator is right to mention the issue of charities because so many charities and local GAA clubs depend on the ability to raffle tickets as a fundraising exercise. That was a very important point that came up in the Bill.

I do not think Senator Wall will have to worry about the All-Ireland issue. As Senator Gavan said, Kildare will have a big challenge on its hands on the next occasion. If Senator Wall can get me a ticket for the match, I would very much appreciate it. We look forward to a good game on the day.

Senator Martin made a point about a matter that is outside my remit but I will endeavour to refer to the appropriate Minister on his behalf.

Senator Gavan set out the real reason we are rushing the Bill. As a man who, like me, has strong links to Westmeath, the Senator will undoubtedly be cheering on the county when we meet the Lilywhites in the not-to-distant future.

Everybody spoke very positively and favourably about the Bill. It is timely and appropriate. I thank the House for facilitating its swift passage today.