Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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349. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will clarify, in the context of consumer protection legislation, the position in relation to the Garth Brooks concerts, should some, or all, of these concerts not go ahead; if he will further clarify the place of registration of the promoting company; if this has any implications in the event of the cancellation of concerts; if he has considered the position of Ticketmaster agents and the costs that would likely be incurred by them in the event of cancellation; and the time frame within which ticket buyers may expect to be recompensed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31094/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The rights of purchasers of tickets for the Garth Brooks concerts derive from their contract with the ticket service provider. The terms and conditions governing tickets sold by Ticketmaster provide that, where an event is cancelled and not rescheduled, ticket purchasers are entitled to a refund of the sale price of the ticket, including the relevant service charge. Ticketmaster have issued a notice stating that, for tickets bought online or by telephone, a full refund will be made on 15 July to the credit or debit cards used to make the purchase and that it will take 7 to 10 working days for the refund to reach the purchasers’ accounts. Alternative arrangements have been put in place for persons who purchased tickets from Ticketmaster ticket centres. The customer care policy of the concert promoter, Aiken Promotions, also provides that, in the event of a cancellation, the cost of tickets will be refunded in full.

Consumers who bought tickets from secondary ticket resellers should check the terms and conditions of their contract with the reseller. If purchasers paid by credit or debit card, they may be able to obtain a refund by means of the chargeback facility under their card scheme. Where goods or services are to be delivered, the main card schemes permit chargeback claims up to 120 days from the date delivery was due.

In relation to any ancillary bookings that consumers may have made for accommodation or transport, consumers should check the cancellation policies of the providers of such services. Where consumers no longer wish to proceed with such bookings and wish to cancel, there is no general entitlement to a refund. It will depend on the cancellation policies and/or the goodwill of the service providers as to whether refunds are made in full or in part. Iarnród Éireann have stated that they will provide full refunds for rail tickets purchased for the purpose of attending the Garth Brooks concerts. One hotel group has indicated that it will make full refunds to persons who booked rooms for the purpose of attending the concerts.

The concerts are promoted by Aiken Promotions, and Aiken Promotions (Ireland) are registered in Ireland. The place of registration of the promoter does not affect the rights of the purchasers of tickets for the concerts.

I have no information at this stage about the position of Ticketmaster agents and the costs that they would be likely to incur in the event of cancellation of the concerts. This is a matter in the first instance for discussion and resolution between the agents and Ticketmaster.