Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as I had to pop out to do some radio. I fully support the extension of the waiver. It is a very sensible move and we supported it when it was introduced. One of the very positive actions in the past year or year and a half is that we have seen these measures and the difficulties of many businesses, especially bars and restaurants, in having to try new things. Those new things have proven that outdoor activities work. We were speaking earlier about the example in the Minister's constituency of Malahide. The work there is wonderful and brought much vibrancy to that part of the village. There are also examples in the city centre here, including on South Anne Street, South William Street and Capel Street. It is really good to see and, in fairness, I acknowledge it.

It is important as we move ahead to ensure this continues to be done right. I have five very quick questions that I would not mind the Minister responding to. They do not necessarily speak specifically to the extension of the waiver but they are relevant to it.

Despite the waiving of the licence fee, we are getting much unlicensed street furniture, which causes all sorts of difficulties in managing that furniture etc. Is the Minister aware of that problem and is the Department discussing with local authorities about how best to address it? The particular problem is with people who are visually impaired or other mobility issues. It is really important when we do the right thing with outdoor activity that we do not in any way inhibit what is already a very difficult environment for the visually impaired or wheelchair users etc.

Is that something the Minister or his officials are concerned about and thinking about?

There is an issue around protected structures and awnings. It is not that I want to be in any way restrictive but we need to manage this stuff right, especially in areas where we have very valuable built heritage. Has the Minister any thoughts on that and particularly the position from January of next year?

Another concern I have is not far from here some entrepreneurial drinks manufacturers have started providing the partitions for the outdoor spaces and are using these as free alcohol advertising. That is contrary to both the letter and spirit and policy of Government policy and legislation. Is that something the Minister is aware of or concerned about and is there something that can be done to ensure it does not happen?

My final point is that it will always come down to the fact all these things are only as good as the ability of the local authorities to manage them, process the licensing and enforce them. I spoke to officials in a number of local authorities yesterday and today. They are concerned their enforcement and licensing capacity is limited. Dublin City Council, in particular, has concerns as it is losing many staff to other local authorities. Is the Minister satisfied there is appropriate staffing there? Where local authorities are looking for additional staffing to manage this how can he assist them?