James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

On storage and the general question around disabilities, obviously, we have universal design guidelines. Also, under section 254, the licensing authority should ensure that any of these grants are being properly controlled, that they do not have an impact on accessibility or hinder people with disabilities from using the footpaths and public areas, and that they are returned appropriately. Most local authorities are quite good at that. They realised there were a lot of problems at the very start. My sister is in a wheelchair and would have highlighted many issues in the early part of this. In fairness, however, most of the areas are now well policed by local authorities to ensure that the footpaths and roads are properly accessible to everybody. That is absolutely essential.

Advertising is again a matter for local authorities. Permissions for awnings often include conditions that such structures shall not be used for advertising purposes, other than the name of the premises. In most cases, exemptions to the planning regulations will also include conditions and limitations around advertisements on applications. There are various circulars attesting to that too, but it is up to the local authorities to determine how they approach the matter.

The exemptions outlined will apply for the rest of 2025 and until September 2026. It will be a matter for the Government to determine the situation thereafter, which it will do well in advance of that date. One of the reasons I chose September 2026 is to ensure that if there is a decision to extend this beyond next year, it will not happen in the middle of the hospitality sector's peak season as is the case now.

On insurance, nothing has been brought to my attention, but I will check within the Department if there has been any correspondence of late from the local authorities on that issue. Is there any question I have not answered?