Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that hugely beneficial work has been undertaken by the task force and, in particular, under the Minister’s leadership, but I would like to see what the outcome of that will be.

I would have liked to ask about the night-time licensing laws, which were promised as part of this reimagining of what our cultural entities could look like in the night time. However, I am not sure if I had to address it to the Minister, who was driving it initially as I was redirected to the Department of Justice. As part of our understanding of the development of the night-time economy and the advancement of culture, is it intended to reform late-night liquor licensing laws during the last weeks and months of the Government, or does the Minister believe that should be pushed on to the next government, whichever of us will be leading it?

I believe it is exciting and the Bill has the power to be transformative. At 2.30 a.m., we continue to see every nightclub in the city opening its doors to send its patrons onto the streets and that does not serve any of us well. I would love to see a continued leadership by the Minister in that field. I hope she might say if we will see that law before her time in government comes to an end.

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