Shane Ross (Independent)

I want to ask the Minister a single question. I do not share the outright opposition to the Bill which seems to be prevalent in many parts of the House. There are good parts and bad parts to it. I do not like the fact that the fingerprints of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland are all over it. However, I applaud the Minister for his change of mind on early houses. It showed common sense that was not necessarily the result of lobby group activity. Why is it necessary to have every premises close at the same time in the early hours of the morning? Why is it necessary to withdraw the distinction of theatre licences? I would have thought the Minister would give serious consideration to introducing staggered closing hours late at night as it would make the streets somewhat safer and would ensure that certain privileges could be given to premises which have different requirements at different times. It would be appropriate for the Minister to reconsider this clause.