Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I agree that opening times should be curtailed on Fridays and Saturdays. It is quite ridiculous to be prancing around the sidewalks at 2.30 a.m. and 3 a.m. thinking one is having a great time. One obviously is not. I agree with the Minister's ideas about tapas bars and so forth, even if others have derided them. However, we have to reach the point where it will be possible to go out to small eateries and enjoy a glass of alcohol with one's food. There is a long way to go before we reach that point.

I thank the Minister. He has been a friend of this House and we look forward to receiving more Bills from the Department.