National Consumer Agency Statement
RE: Report by MCD into Barbra Streisand Concert
Dublin, 27th September 2007 - The National Consumer Agency today welcomed the publication of the report of the committee set up by MCD on the complaints received concerning the Barbra Streisand concert. The report recommends that compensation be offered to those ticket holders who were most inconvenienced.
Ann Fitzgerald, Acting Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency said, “We welcome the publication of the report today. The volume of calls that we received was a measure of the dissatisfaction of many consumers who attended the concert. We met with MCD only three days after the concert and stressed that all ticket holders had a right to the seat that they had purchased and to the quiet enjoyment of the concert. Today’s news that almost 2,500 concert goers will be compensated is very welcome.”
The National Consumer Agency met MCD on 17th July 2007. Following that meeting, MCD undertook to examine all complaints received by them and the Agency and to keep the NCA fully up to date on their deliberations. In the intervening period, the NCA worked with MCD with a view to obtaining the best deal for aggrieved concert patrons. In all, three meetings were held with MCD and six written reports were received from the company since the committee was formed.
She went on to say, “We believe that the compensation being offered by MCD represents a fair deal for consumers. However, the NCA would advise patrons that, if they do not wish to accept the compensation now on offer from MCD, they are entitled to refuse it and to take action against the company in the Small Claims Court. Similarly, patrons who are not being offered any compensation may have grounds for action in the Small Claims Court.”
“Valuable lessons will have been learnt not only by MCD but also by An Garda Siochana and Kildare County Council. The report should also serve to inform other local bodies of the problems which can be encountered when organising or licensing large-scale public events.”
Actions may be taken in the Small Claims Court speedily, cheaply (fee is €9.00), and informally without involving a solicitor. Claims involving amounts up to €2,000 may be dealt with through this procedure. Information on the small claims procedure is available on the Irish Courts website www.courts.ie and also on the National Consumer Agency website, www.consumerconnect.ie.
ENDS