Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With all due respect to Deputy O’Sullivan, I do not consider that this amendment is necessary nor that it adds anything further to the Bill, since under this section the Minister is already enabled to consult with local drugs and alcohol task forces when determining whether to grant a licence.

Under section 3(2), as published, the Minister is not restricted to the stakeholders that can be consulted with in determining a licence application. In different areas, and in different circumstances, certain stakeholder groups will be better placed to advise the Minister on a licence application.

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