Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank all of the witnesses for their opening remarks and for their attendance here today. I will just raise a couple of issues. Following on from what was just discussed, one of the possible outcomes of this Bill would be more pubs opening, particularly in the large urban areas, as has been mentioned. I wonder about the possibility of chain pubs arriving, as we have seen in other jurisdictions. I personally feel that would be a retrograde step from an Irish perspective. We have a model in the pub industry in Ireland that has been replicated across the world.

Travelling around the world, we do not see Spanish bars but we do find Irish bars and pubs. We sell that culture and tradition as a tourist attraction not only here but everywhere in the world. That shows its uniqueness and we need to hold on to that. I am interested in the possible negative impact it would have, were that to happen.

A comment was made on rural pubs. I come from a rural part of the world and many rural publicans tell me they have been trying to sell their pubs for the past ten years and nobody will buy them. I know a pub not far from me which would get a better price if it were sold as accommodation for people to live in. This shows there is a big problem, particularly in many rural areas and small towns.

Extending the hours of opening, the working hours of the staff who will have to be there and the conditions under which they would have to work have been mentioned. Have insurance costs and other costs been factored into the business model that would be developed from this legislation if it were to move forward as it is?

In regard to the entertainment industry, what will happen with regard to the one-man bands, the people who arrive in the bar and play until the late hours? It is another aspect of the unique model in Ireland that we need to enhance and develop. Many international stars made their debut in a local pub. That is where they began and they developed from there. We need to recognise that as well.

I support the appeal by craft brewers that they be able to sell their products on their premises. The tourism aspect of that is something we need to develop. If there are comments on those points, I would welcome them.