Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate what the Minister of State said and I am grateful for his remarks. I accept what he says about amendment No. 8. However, I disagree with him about amendment No. 6. The outdoor seating area definition in section 1 of the Bill states that it relates to a licensed premises and then goes on to define terms. Under this Bill, there is no other outdoor seating area except an outdoor seating area of a licensed premises, so in essence we are talking about an outdoor seating area of a licensed premises. It is a tautology. I accept what the Minister of State said and if he does not think this is going to create a problem I will not push the issue. The same applies to the licensed premises referred to in amendment 7. I do not agree with what the Minister of State said but I accept it. If greater minds than mine have considered this and decided it is not an issue I will not press the matter. In the circumstances, I will withdraw the amendments.