Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, today (17th July) said that she had held meetings with Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, and Brian Hayes, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, following recent events in the Phoenix Park.

Minister Burton suggested to her ministerial colleagues that the Phoenix Park was not a suitable venue for concerts such as the one that took place on Saturday 7th July.

“I understand the Gardai are investigating certain criminal matters. Separately the Gardai are carrying out a review of all aspects of the event,’’ Minister Burton said.

“I expect the review will include a very detailed examination of the procedures in relation to holding concerts in the Phoenix Park and whether it is an appropriate venue for such concerts,’’ she said.

“The nature of Saturday’s event was clearly unsuitable to the Park, whereas the other events over the weekend were not problematic. We need to learn the lessons about what went wrong and why in order to prevent any future tragedies.’’