Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is a certain feeling of déjà vu about this particular resolution. The Minister of State has given the single recurring speech. The grounding Act followed on from Covid restrictions and was introduced in 2021. Since then, the Minister has come to the House six times to seek an extension. When this happened the last time, which was in May, a firm commitment was given that it would be the last time and that there would be comprehensive permanent legislation. The House has agreed on several occasions - six occasions now - to roll over these provisions because outdoor dining and drinking is a good idea. I know there was a certain scepticism as to whether our climate was suitable for such things but it is a normal part of the socialising scene in countries with similar climates to ours such as Belgium.

Many of our towns have been transformed. Like me, the Minister of State had the opportunity to visit Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford in August of this year. When I say there was outdoor dining, there were 650,000 people in the town of Wexford over that week so there was not a square inch where there was not dining. Whole streets were transformed into areas of dining, entertainment and so on. It was a glimpse of what could happen. Perhaps it could not happen on that scale everywhere but there should certainly be provision for it.

I have no reluctance at all in fully endorsing and supporting this motion. In any response the Minister of State might give, will he confirm that this is actually the last time and that, while the permanent grounding legislation will clearly not be commenced in the lifetime of this Dáil, the groundwork will be done to ensure it is done early in the next Dáil term so that the cycle of being told that this is the last time and that the Minister is minded to bring in permanent legislation to do something we all agree is necessary and right will not be permanently repeated?

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