Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I have some sympathy for the Senators' point of view but my experience of chip shops is that the rows seldom start outside; they generally start inside and spill out on to the footpath. It is clear cut – if the Garda is called to an incident that has spilt out of a premises, the chip shop owner should have some responsibility. If a row is started by people walking past and the Garda is called, common sense will prevail. Chip shops and fast food outlets cannot be exonerated because many of them are close to licensed premises. The drunk coming out of a pub will run to the chip shop for food first. They are positioned in these areas because the closer to the pub they are, the better business is. I have some sympathy for them but they cannot be completely exonerated. The Minister has struck a fair balance.