Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also welcome this legislation. I compliment the Minister of State on the expeditious manner in which he has moved on this. I raised this issue in the Seanad a week or ten days ago. I voiced my concern about the conflict that might arise if alcohol was served in an unlicensed, both from the point of view of the license-holder and the Garda. The Garda Commissioner issued guidelines to members of the force, where he talked about using discretion. In this particular instance, laudable though that may be, I still had concerns about that as indeed had many licence holders and the Garda Síochána, as voiced by the representative associations - the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, and the Garda Representative Association, GRA. I am delighted that this issue has been addressed in an expeditious manner. I am glad that the concerns of all those I have mentioned earlier have been listened to. This brings great clarity to the situation because, heretofore, there was potential for a conflict to arise. Nobody wants that. The vast majority of people, whether they are licence holders, publicans, or members of the public, have behaved in an excellent manner throughout this pandemic. I would like to compliment everyone involved in that. I am glad that this brings clarity to the situation. Rural publicans in particular have greater potential to encompass areas around their premises for outdoor dining or outdoor enjoyment.There is potential for that, which I welcome.

I also welcome the move by Government to increase the number of judges of the High Court from 37 to 42. We are all aware of the substantial backlog in the legal system due to Covid-19. Indeed, I welcome there is potential to expand that number further if people feel the need arises to do that.

I praise everyone concerned, including the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, for the expeditious manner in which he has moved to address this anomaly. Now, everyone can look forward to clarity in this area. Hopefully, people will be able to enjoy themselves in an environment where they know that there is no ambiguity in the legality of them being there consuming alcohol in the first place.