Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I thank the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Stanton, for taking this vigorous debate this evening. I thank my co-sponsors, Senators McDowell, Craughwell and Boyhan, and my fellow Seanad Members who contributed to and are supporting this Bill. It is 35 years since I first mooted this idea. I was president of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland in 1982. It is a long time being talked about and a long time coming.

The Irish pub is an intrinsic part of our hugely successful tourism offering and a major employer in the economy. Ireland has moved on and is now a multicultural society. As a modern European nation, we have outgrown this dated practice. I hold this view as a citizen and an Oireachtas representative who respects all traditions and faith. This Bill is about giving people a choice. The public has the option not to drink. The licensed premises have the option not to open on Good Friday, if that is their wish. I thank everybody, including the Acting Chairman, for this intensive debate. I again thank the Minister of State.