The Government has agreed on legislative measures to tackle ticket touting.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys said the proposed legislation would ban the above-face value resale of tickets for sporting and entertainment events in designated venues with a capacity of 1,000 or more.
It would also prohibit the use of bot software to purchase tickets in excess of the number permitted by event organisers.
The legislation would also give effect to the commitment given to UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations) to ban the unauthorised transfer and use of tickets for matches and official events taking place in Ireland during the Euro 2020 Championship.
In order to implement these measures, the Government has said it will support and amend the Prohibition of Above-Cost Ticket Touting Bill introduced by deputies Noel Rock and Stephen Donnelly.
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Minister Humphreys said: "It’s wrong that people who make no contribution to sport or music can profit from the resale of tickets for sell-out matches and shows. In doing so, they deprive genuine fans of the opportunity to attend these events, and the time has come to put a stop to it.
"I am confident that this bill will have the support of the main sporting bodies, of many artists and promoters in the entertainment industry, and of music and sports fans right across the country.
"It is also a tangible example of new politics at work and in that regard I want to acknowledge the efforts of deputies Noel Rock and Stephen Donnelly, who have engaged constructively on this matter so we can bring forward workable proposals which will benefit genuine fans. I look forward to continuing to work with both deputies and our Oireachtas colleagues in progressing this bill."
The Government’s decision has been welcomed by Mr Rock and Mr Donnelly.
