Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

The Minister seems to be getting more support on this side of the House than from his colleagues. I want to bring to Members' attention another group of young people. I appreciate what Members on the other side are saying about those who may be attending weddings, or tourists. However, there is another group of children who would be in a pub up to 9 p.m., which is too late – the vulnerable children of irresponsible parents who bring their children to the pub in the afternoon, give them a glass of orange and a packet of crisps and stay for hours. I have seen this happen. That is what I think of when I hear talk about allowing children to stay in pubs up to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. As the Minister says, other children can be catered for, outside the bar. I agree with this.