Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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688. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce a cap on event ticket prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45762/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I recognise the concerns that have been expressed regarding ticket pricing for live events. However, at this time, there are no plans to introduce a statutory cap on event ticket prices.

In Ireland, traders are generally free to set and adjust prices for goods and services, including event tickets, provided they do so independently and in compliance with consumer protection legislation. This framework supports competition and consumer choice and is consistent with broader market principles.

Consumer protection law requires that traders clearly display the total price of goods and services—including any fees or charges—prior to purchase, enabling consumers to make informed decisions. Misleading commercial practices, including false representations about pricing or availability, are prohibited under the Consumer Protection Act 2007.

The Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021 regulates the secondary ticket market by prohibiting the sale or advertising of tickets above their original sale price for designated events and venues. This legislation was introduced to promote fairer access to tickets and protect consumers from excessive resale pricing. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for An Garda Síochána, and my Department continues to liaise with them for updates on prosecutions.

My Department also continues to monitor broader issues such as market dominance and exclusivity in ticketing services. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer and competition law, has previously secured legally binding commitments from Ticketmaster Ireland to limit exclusivity clauses and contract durations. These commitments were made orders of the High Court.

I remain committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in ticketing practices and will continue to monitor developments in the market and regulatory landscape.