Rock Announces Industry Dialogue on Ticket Touting Legislation implementation

Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock, has invited sporting and ticketing organisations to engage in a stakeholder dialogue on the issue of ticket touting.

Deputy Rock’s call comes after a cabinet agreement this week to support ticket touting legislation.

It is hoped that the dialogue will shape amendments to improve this Bill, and set out guidelines for implementation of best practice.

Deputy Rock said: “I am satisfied that the Government has agreed to support a Bill designed to prevent ticket touting through second stage. This is a clear sign of progress, with the Government having organised a public consultation process, and now supported the passage of two Bills through the Oireachtas on this matter at various stages.

“It’s clear that the Government are committed to eliminating ticket touting and, as somebody who has advocated for this since I was elected, I am satisfied with the outcome.

“The public consultation process has elicited a wide variety of submissions from sporting organisations, ticketing organisations and other interested bodies and, as such, I am bringing these bodies together for a stakeholder dialogue to ensure we get the best possible amendments and the best possible practical solutions.

“However, it is clear that we must now begin to plan for the implementation of such legislation when it does come to pass and, using the submissions of the recent public consultation process as the basis for further dialogue.

“I have invited interested parties to come together and discuss their views on implementation ahead of this Bill moving to committee stage, where I will be tabling a wide range of amendments. It’s important that we eliminate ticket touting, important that we protect consumers but also important that we get this legislation right and make sure it works from day one.

“I intend to work towards that and ensure that – whichever way anti-ticket touting legislation is enacted, that robust amendments are put down and the legislation is in practical, workable shape by the time it ultimately becomes law.”