The public will not be reimbursed if concerts are rescheduled in 2021, warns Varadkar

PEOPLE BUYING TICKETS for next summer’s concerts should be aware that they will not be entitled to refunds if events are rescheduled, the Tánaiste has said.

Leo Varadkar said there was “no guarantee” that such events would take place and that it could be “some time yet” before mass gatherings are allowed.

The Longitude music festival yesterday announced its return in July 2021, an event that normally draws 40,000 people.

Varadkar said today: “There are now tickets on sale for some big events that we all hope will take place next summer.

“The advice I would say is that there is no guarantee that these events will go ahead. It may take some time before we can attend games, concerts, and mass gatherings.

“I hope it is possible in the summer, but that is far from certain at the moment.

“According to the law, the companies that organize these events can cancel and reschedule them. They do not have to refund the cost of the ticket, they can reschedule them.

“I think people who buy a ticket should be aware of that. They are not guaranteed a refund, they may find the concert rescheduled. “

Varadkar made the remarks in the Dáil this afternoon, responding to Labor leader Alan Kelly during the Leaders’ Questions.

Vaccine

Kelly also questioned Varadkar about plans for a vaccine launch, which is expected to begin in January.

The Tánaiste said the question of who will be prioritized to receive the vaccine will not be decided by the working group chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, which is due to report to the government on December 11.

Instead, it will fall to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (CANI), Varadkar said.

He added: “We would expect a report from them very soon, on what will be the order of prioritization.

“I don’t think it’s going to be rocket science. I think everyone understands that the priority will be those who need it most.

“Health workers due to the increased risk and also the risk they have of infecting patients.

“Residents of nursing homes and also elderly and chronically ill people. Those are the groups that are going to be prioritized.

“And perhaps people who work in high-risk environments, such as meat factories.”

Varadkar also confirmed that there will be no charge for the vaccine, which will be paid for through taxes.