Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Having grown up in a pub, I warmly welcome the Bill. I have seen the impact small breweries have on employment and expansion. I have worked closely with a small brewery in Limerick, Treaty City Brewery, on a number of issues recently. It has been granted a licence to expand its business into the historical part of Limerick, only a stone's throw from St. John's Castle. I have seen the impact the licence has had on the development of the brewery's business. The brewery has developed different types of beers and provided employment not only to members of the family who own it but to other people as well.

Craft breweries have had a positive impact on tourism. In Limerick, for example, the Treaty City Brewery is a tourist attraction, which offers visitors an opportunity to taste a variety of beers. Breweries have done a great deal of work employing chemists to develop the variety of beers on offer. Beer is an acquired taste. The development of breweries is very positive overall.

The Intoxicating Liquor Act refers to people who are over 18 years and I am sure the people visiting these breweries will be over 18 years of age. Breweries are a very positive tourism attraction. It is also positive that many local pubs sell the beers produced by small local breweries. Larger breweries and drinks companies have operated here for many years. I highly commend small breweries on expanding and developing a variety of beers. I wish the Bill a safe passage.