303. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress that has been made to address the significant financial problems caused by the collapse of a service (details supplied) for festival organisers, music promoters, musicians and audiences; the steps which can be taken to ensure all event ticket sellers retain the funds received for tickets and are kept in escrow accounts until the event is over and all liabilities cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48858/26]

304. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on a matter in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48861/26]

I am aware of the reported liquidation of Tickets.ie. The focus now is on ensuring that affected consumers and creditors are aware of the steps they can take and the options available to them based on their rights where relevant under consumer protection and company law.

The State’s liquidation process is a well-established mechanism for the winding up of companies on both a voluntary and compulsory basis, and can take the form of either a court-ordered insolvent liquidation or a voluntary solvent or insolvent liquidation.

Any appointed liquidator is independent in their role and the exercise of their duties. They have a statutory role to identify, take possession of and redistribute the assets to the creditors. To do so, the liquidator must realise the value of the assets for the benefit of the insolvency estate. The Government cannot intervene in this process.

Consumers who have purchased tickets for events via Tickets.ie can engage with the event organiser to seek clarity on the status of their purchase. Creditors such as businesses who are owed debts by the company should engage with the appointed liquidator. Further information is expected to be made available through the appointed liquidator and relevant consumer information channels.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body with responsibility for promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer law in Ireland. The CCPC is independent in the performance of its statutory functions. The CCPC does not have a role in insolvency or liquidation processes, both of which fall outside its statutory remit.

The CCPC does have a role in providing information and guidance to consumers on their rights. In this regard, CCPC has published advice on its website for those affected by company closures and liquidations, including practical steps that may be taken. Further assistance can be obtained through contacting the CCPC’s national consumer helpline at ask@ccpc.ie or on 01 402 5555.