Is the Minister aware that in October 1982 I raised the question with the Minister for the Environment of standards at sports grounds? This was as a result of a dangerous situation which arose at the All-Ireland Final of 1983, and also in Dalymount Park in the autumn of 1983 when people got onto the roof of the stand. I was informed at that time by the Minister for the Environment that the need for specific legislative control in this area was being examined. That was in 1983. I understood at that time that this would entail requirements in regard to crash barriers, passageways, emergency exists, maximum crowd numbers.

This does not sound like a question, Deputy.

Is the Minister aware that in 1983 the Minister for the Environment was examining this question? Has he any information with regard to whether any progress has been made?

The Deputy should put down a question to the Minister for the Environment.

(Limerick East): I am not so aware. But, if the Deputy assures me that the situation is such, I accept what the Deputy says. The Committee of the Council of Europe have made recommendations, first, that we should acknowledge as member countries our responsibility, complementing that of regional and local government and other public agencies, that the football authorities curb violence among spectators, coordinate at national level the policies and actions of Government Departments and other public agencies against spectator violence and foster similar co-operation to this end at other levels. There was a whole series of recommendations, for example, to segregate rival supporters, with one or more terraces reserved for visiting supporters only; to ensure the segregation by controlling the sale of tickets for matches and to avoid the casual sale of tickets which might undermine such segregation; to ensure, in so far as is legally possible, the exclusion of known trouble makers. I do not intend reading them all out. They mention considering the appointment of liaison officers to discuss before matches arrangements for crowd control with all appropriate public authorities so as to ensure that any relevant rule is enforced with concerted action, the encouraging of the establishment of official supporters' clubs, the appointment of stewards from within their membership to help manage and inform spectators at matches and to accompany parties of supporters travelling to away fixtures, the ensuring that the design and the physical fabric of football stadiums provide for the safety of spectators.

I must remind the Minister that long quotations are not in order at Question Time. I call Deputy Hyland.

Would the Minister not consult with the Minister for the Environment about this?

Is there any chance that Deputies at this side of the House could ask a question? I have sat here patiently and you have called Deputies who did not even offer.

I am sorry if I have trespassed on the Deputy's patience, but the Chair has to bear in mind a number of things at Question Time and one is to ensure fair play.

I am glad to hear that, because you have called Deputies who did not offer.

I will have no impertinence from Deputy Mitchell.

But Deputy Mitchell is as entitled as the other Deputies to ask a question,

Question Time is the only opportunity for some Members, while other Deputies have other opportunities. I call Deputy Hyland.

Could you take some Deputy on this side of the House, a Cheann Comhairle.