Burton appeals for talks by various parties in Garth Brooks concert controversy

The best way to resolve the controversy surrounding the Garth Brooks concerts was through discussion between the parties involved, Tánaiste Joan Burton told the Dáil.

“I want to encourage the parties to engage in all of the discussions that are necessary to resolve this issue,” she added. She said the concerts would be a significant boost to the economy.

Ms Burton was replying to Fianna Fáil tourism spokesman Timmy Dooley who criticised the Government for not getting involved earlier. He said the issue had gone from fiasco to farce. As Mr Dooley was heckled by Coalition backbenchers, he asked why the Government had sat on its hands for a week, "when even the Mexicans and the Moneygall native Barack Obama are getting involved".

Ms Burton, who was taking her first Opposition Leaders’ Questions as Tánaiste, said: “I thought the only people you left out were possibly the Brazilians who might be free to be involved at this point in time.”

She said the discussions could take place "in the light of facts that have come to attention, particularly in the last few days in relation to the process". Ms Burton said she understood Garth Brooks was using Ireland as the launch pad for his world tour and to make a music video.

“If the concerts do get underway successfully, I think we should invite him, perhaps, to complete the world tour in Dublin, probably some time after two years,” she added.

Mr Dooley said it was clear some time ago that a crisis was looming. He noted that a week ago he had published a short Bill to bring about a constructive outcome to the fiasco.

“The Taoiseach sat on his hands for a week,” he said.