Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the extension of this Act because the clarification for the local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the publicans is necessary and very important. I thank the publicans very much because they offer a great service in County Kerry, in particular, which is the county I represent, and because of the excellent way in which they have operated through all types of adversity. I am grateful for the schemes that were put in place to support them. Like everybody else in this country, they have gone through a tough time. The publicans were used to seeing their houses closed on Christmas Day and one other day in the year. It was very upsetting and unsettling for them to have to shut down for such a long period of time. I say this to each and every one of these businesses which have survived the pandemic or have had their doors open.

You would swear I had a problem with drink because I was in 16 public houses in County Kerry yesterday. If I had had a drink in every one of them, it would have been a different story. I was doing my job and meeting people. The pubs that I see are operating to the highest of standards.

They have tried their best to keep their customers going in the best way they can. This is much needed.

I would also like to talk about parking outside premises. Cones and identifying measures were placed in our towns and villages. We are not Lanzarote. I cannot see us taking to outdoor dining and the outdoors in a big way. When things get back to normal, please God, the parking necessary for these businesses will be there again.

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