Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister said at the outset, this is just repeat legislation that is renewed every six months. As others have said, primary legislation could have been enacted some time ago but I am glad the Minister is living up to his reputation as being a hands-on Minister so far and is moving on this. It is something that most people would very much welcome but I always include the caveat that we have a toxic relationship with alcohol in this country. Having alcohol in a context where one can sit down, have a chat and have something to eat is the appropriate way to do it. Covid led to some people drinking at home and we should be trying to encourage people back into the pubs, back out having a bit of grub and socialising with each other again. Something like this, out on the streets, is very welcome in this country, even though it is going to be raining half of the time. I support what Deputy Lawless said in relation to not overly oppressing the vintners and restaurants on this issue. Maybe there should be a licence to have outdoor seating at certain times of the year but it should not be included in the rates. We should then look at longer hours at night time, something that was touted about 20 years ago. I support the continuation of these provisions and I hope we get proper legislation in due course.

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