I want to thank the Deputies for raising what is clearly a matter of great public concern. At the outset let me say that I share people’s shock and concern at the series of disturbing incidents which took place at a concert in the Phoenix Park last Saturday night. Unfortunately a number of people engaged in disgraceful scenes.
I am sure that Deputies will appreciate that as a number of people are facing charges as a result of what happened on Saturday night nothing must be said in this House which might prejudice criminal proceedings.
I think it is true to say that a number of concerts have been held in relatively trouble free circumstances at the Phoenix Park previously. Therefore I believe it is important to clarify if there are particular circumstances surrounding this concert which may have given rise to difficulties.
The Gardaí are reviewing what happened and held an initial meeting with the concert promoters in this regard yesterday. I understand that the meeting was useful and that a range of issues were discussed surrounding the event including those matters of serious concern which are in the public domain. It was agreed that both organisations will carry out a more in depth review regarding all aspects of the event. The fact is that the arrangements which were in place on Saturday night did not prevent the type of behaviour which took place.
I have, of course, been briefed by the Garda Commissioner on Saturday night’s events and he will let me have a detailed report following that review. I am determined that any lessons that can be learned from what happened will be taken into account fully in future planning for such events.
Without commenting, in advance of the Commissioner's report, on specific arrangements for security at last Saturday's concert, it is worth noting more generally that developments will be taking place in the near future in relation to the licensing of the event security sector.
The Private Security Authority regulates the private security industry in the State. Since its inception the Authority has introduced licensing on a phased basis into various areas of the private security sector. For example, it already licenses both contractors and employees providing door supervisor and security guard services. Many of those working in event security are therefore already licensed, and, accordingly, have to meet certain standards or acquire certain qualifications.
In addition to these existing requirements I have been working for some time on regulations which will lead to the licensing of all individuals working in the event security sector. I expect to finalise those regulations shortly and the Private Security Authority propose to license all contractors working in the event security area by Autumn 2012.
While the vast majority of people who attend concerts and similar events just want to enjoy themselves, I am concerned that the behaviour of a significant number of people at the Phoenix Park was clearly unacceptable by any standards. Unfortunately, this was reflected in the number of arrests the Gardaí had to make. I have had occasion to comment recently on the degree to which excessive alcohol consumption contributes to public disorder and anti-social behaviour. The events of Saturday night underline the need for us all, as a society, to acknowledge the damage which the misuse of alcohol can cause. Clearly we all wish that summertime concerts and similar events would be a time for celebration and enjoyment especially for our young people, not an occasion of widespread public disorder.
For my part, as Minister, I will do all in my power to improve our regulatory framework and I have previously stated my intention to introduce additional regulations which will aim to curb the level of excessive drinking.
It is also clear that drug taking amongst concert goers contributed to the disorder which took place. Certainly one of the issues which the review will have to address is whether sufficient measures were in place to prevent this.
While I do not wish to preempt the outcome of the Garda Commissioner's review, it seems to me that a comprehensive risk assessment has to form part of planning for any event. The reality is that not all concerts pose the same type of issues and we will have to ensure that processes are flexible enough to address that. Put simply, if licenses are to be granted, conditions will have to fully reflect a comprehensive risk assessment, that takes into account the profile of persons likely to attend any particular types of concert. On the one hand, we have to allow people enjoy themselves; on the other we have to be realistic about addressing the public order risks involved.
The Gardaí will continue to have my full support in upholding public order for the benefit of the law abiding majority of our people. It is right that I should make it clear that the Gardaí are determined to pursue fully anyone who engaged in criminal behaviour last Saturday night.