Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy English, for his detailed response. He indicated that there are only 200 fewer licences, but as he alluded to, it is unclear as to whether that figure is accurate on the ground. I ask him if his Department could furnish me with the details when they are available later in the year.

In terms of the staff shortage crisis, could he advise if the Department will reduce the red tape associated with the visa process for non-EU citizens? That is something that could be looked at. From speaking to publicans, I know the challenges the staff shortages are causing during this crisis. Simplifying the EU process for non-EU citizens is something that could have a real impact in terms of tackling the issue. I am familiar with a case in Galway. The Minister of State will be aware of the system. All the details were provided, but even though we cannot get chefs, there was a line in the application process which stated that the job had to be advertised for a month nationally. The person had to go back to the start of the process again, even though it was impossible to get a chef. The permit situation is having an impact. The Minister of State will be aware that in Galway there are certain top class bars and restaurants that have only 50%, 60% or 70% of their tables allocated because they do not have the resources in the kitchen. That is causing an issue in a tourist city like Galway.