Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1403: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will ensure that no fencing is put into Croke Park for health and safety reasons. [31891/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Safety at sports grounds is the responsibility, in the first instance, of those who organise events and those who own or administer the grounds or venues in which the sports fixtures are held. The Code of Practice for Safety at Sports Grounds, together with international best practice, provide comprehensive guidelines in relation to how this responsibility should be effectively managed.

Issues related to crowd safety in general are governed by legislative provisions operating under the aegis of my colleagues including the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Health and Children; and Justice and Law Reform as well as the relevant statutory authorities.

The GAA is best positioned to identify the safety issues involved with Croke Park. I have advised the GAA to ensure that any work undertaken in this area is in compliance with existing legislation and best practice in this area and that the organisation works in tandem with the relevant authorities.