Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We can discuss other matters but I have not interrupted anyone else and I hope that I will not be interrupted.

The current laws have been described as archaic and discriminatory. A study done by Anthony Foley of DCU estimates that the Good Friday ban costs publicans about €30 million and the State €6 million in excise duties when most other retail businesses are open and trading on Good Friday. It is a normal day of work for many people, it is not a public holiday.

The Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962 allows area exemptions in all parts of the country with the exception of Dublin which is how the Munster match allowed alcohol to be sold in 2010. The Intoxicating Liquor Act was introduced in 1927 originally and prohibited the sale of alcoholic drinks on Christmas day, Good Friday and St. Patrick's Day but in 1960, 57 years ago, that was repealed in order to facilitate visitors coming to Ireland from overseas. We all acknowledge that Easter is the first major tourism weekend of the year and that while the numbers are very good, tourism is a fragile industry. Brexit will have potential implications for our trading in terms of tourism with our nearest neighbours and we have to make sure that we do not put up barriers to tourism.Many publicans have said to me that they are embarrassed by the fact that they must tell their customers, in particular tourists, that they cannot serve them alcohol. Many Dublin publicans, in particular, open on Good Friday to serve food, water, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Customers wonder why they cannot have a glass of wine or beer with their meal. Publicans have said they are embarrassed by having to tell people about an archaic law that does not exist in any other part of the world. People must acknowledge that closure is an option and publicans are not bound to open. Senator Leyden, my good colleague, has just joined me here in the Chamber. He could open his pub at 10.30 in the morning but he does not. He can choose to open his pub at 7 o'clock in the evening or whenever it suits his customers. The provision is not compulsory. As Senator McFadden has said, we must give publicans a choice. Equally, it is important that we acknowledge that both organisations that represent publicans, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association, fully support the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in terms of minimum pricing, advertising and other parts of that Bill.

We must ensure that we do not have a situation where we must tell tourists that they cannot be here. We must acknowledge that 30% of trade in pubs takes place on a Friday. We have moved on as a country and Good Friday is considered a day of shopping but many people reflect on Good Friday. Nobody is required to go to a pub, restaurant or supermarket to buy alcohol if they do not want to but at this stage we need a choice. We need to allow tourists who travel to Ireland on the most important tourism weekend or the first major tourism weekend of the year to have a choice. The 1916 celebrations showed us how important tourism is to us. Easter has a greater resonance since the 1916 centenary celebrations in 2016 and in future we should allow alcohol to be served on Good Friday. It is fitting that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Licensed Vintners Association. I hope that by 2018, pubs and other licensed premises will be able to trade on Good Friday. When the Minister of State responds I want him to tell us how quickly we can get the legislation to pass through both Houses. We must pass this legislation in time so that we can convey the message to the world that if people want to visit Ireland on Good Friday they will no longer be restricted from purchasing alcohol.

Like other colleagues, I acknowledge the important work done by former Senator, Imelda Henry, when she was a Member of this House and welcome her to the Chamber today. I congratulate Senator Lawless for putting forward this legislation. I hope his Bill will be supported by the vast majority of Members in the Chamber.