Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry that we have as little time as we do to debate this Bill, particularly given that we are taking all Stages. There is inadequate time to properly examine it. I am surprised that no amendments were made in the Dáil. However, I praise the Office of the Attorney General and the advisory counsel within that office, who put together their response to this issue as quickly as they did. I presume they relied on advice from the small number of practitioners who are experts in licensing law. It is a rapid, swift response. On the whole, it is an excellent response. It is appropriate that we address this problem. Many publicans and restaurant owners around the country were concerned about this, so it is right that we should address it. I have tabled a number of amendments and, therefore, I do not propose to take too much time. The Bill, in all considerations, is measured. I particularly like the fact that gardaí on patrol have the power to address a problem where they see one, rather than having to go to a higher authority to get permission or authorisation to raise the issue with the occupier. It makes sense to me that a garda who spots a problem can address it there and then.