Mr. Robbie Kitt:

I will make a final point about this issue. Both Mr. Finan and Ms O'Connell are talking about the need for flexibility and the lack of it under the current system. Mr. Finan alluded to artificial closing times. I acknowledge that the Department of Justice and Equality is concerned about issues such as maintaining public order and alcohol consumption. It should be noted that the current system incentivises the sale of alcohol in order for businesses to actually operate. The other things businesses such as Ms O'Connell's can offer are not facilitated under the current licensing system and arrangements. Regarding public disorder instances, the Department is very concerned about the disturbance caused to residents. The current system, with its artificial closing times, pushes people out of venues at the same time and creates artificial concentrations. It is testament to the Irish public that there are not as many public disorder instances as there could be because the licensing system, as it stands, does not create very safe or favourable conditions. I encourage any member of the committee to come with me on any payday or weekend in Dublin when he or she will see what happens on the streets when all venues close at 2.30 a.m. or 3 a.m. It is testament to those on the streets that there are not as many problems as there might be and to the Garda that these issues are policed, but it is not sustainable. The current licensing system works against public safety and ordinance, rather than providing any protection for residents or the public in these settings.