Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I accept what the Minister has done here. It was an act of folly in the first instance to single out the early morning houses for closure in the manner envisaged. I am pleased the representations made to the Minister from this side of the House and from people outside the House have given a stay of execution to the early houses but I do not know for how long that will continue.

There had never been any indication or evidence that these houses were sources of public disorder or had attracted the attention of the Garda Síochána in a way that might give rise to public order difficulties. It was mentioned there was a problem with the early houses being used by people on their way home from late night venues but, from speaking to proprietors and early morning licence holders, I was interested to note that special arrangements had been in place for some time and that this was not a problem.

I am pleased the Minister is not proceeding with the closure of the early houses. My amendment No. 5 is probably dealt with in a later ministerial amendment. Accordingly, I will withdraw my amendment.

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