Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I actually wrote to the Minister last week. We broadly support the Bill, but we have set our own clear policy on the night-time economy. The Minister mentioned the consultation that took place in 2021. Consultation is not a replacement for the health impact assessment. We are not looking to delay the Bill, which is moving slowly at the moment. There is an opportunity for the Minister to have this assessment done. An impact assessment goes much further than consultation and would be based on credible evidence-based interagency information. That is the approach we are looking for. I know there was a consultation but there seems to be a lack of consultation between the Department of Health, the Garda and other stakeholders who could contribute in a positive way to the Bill.

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