Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ruane for raising this important matter and giving me the opportunity to provide clarity on some of the issues involved on behalf of the Minister for Justice, who is attending a Private Members' debate in the Dáil.

I would like to respond to Senator Ruane's very important comments on trying to get young people off their phones and out into the fresh air, whether on the sports field or dancing. There are no barriers there, and it does not matter what people look like or who they look like once they are enjoying themselves. It is so good for their emotional well-being. At a time of misinformation and disinformation and of great challenges in the context of mental health, addiction issues and dual diagnosis, there are many issues for young people. Leaving it all off and letting it all out is very good for people. I agree wholeheartedly. We saw the joy and emotion for the Pride parade in Dublin at the weekend and at other parades throughout the country. The way people are able to be themselves is so important.

The current system is based on a patchwork of 100 laws, some of which are more than 200 years old and two thirds of which predate the foundation of the State 100 years ago. The general scheme of the sale of alcohol Bill intends to modernise our existing licensing laws in line with the expectations and needs of today's society, and to encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy. Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, Ireland has, for many decades, operated a restrictive regime for licensing, as Senator Ruane said. The general scheme of the Bill retains this approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.

In developing the general scheme, the Department of Justice has engaged in an extensive consultation process with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in respect of it. A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. More than 5,000 responses were received. In addition, a webinar and panel discussion event was held in March 2022. The consultation process demonstrated that there is a strong demand for reform and modernisation of the law in this area and this is the nub of Senator Ruane's question.

The Minister intends to separate the sale of alcohol Bill into two Bills and intends to introduce the intoxicating liquor Bill 2024. Senator Ruane is aware that, whether in the Dáil or the Seanad, there will be an opportunity to table amendments. I understand where Senator Ruane is coming from in saying that the words "intoxicating liquor" are old. This will be a shorter Bill to introduce a number of key reforms contained in the sale of alcohol Bill 2022 to modernise our licensing system, including the standardisation of opening hours for pubs and off-licences, the introduction of an annual late bar permit and an annual nightclub permit and the inclusion of new grounds of objection in line with Zero Tolerance - Third National Strategy to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. The Bill will also strengthen the powers of An Garda Síochána to ensure that public safety and order are maintained, provide for licensing applications, which are currently heard in the Circuit Court, being heard in the District Court, and will include a provision for outdoor seating, which became very popular during Covid. The terms of the Bill are being finalised with the Office of the Attorney General. Work will continue to progress on the other provisions in the general scheme of the sale of alcohol Bill 2022 to modernise our liquor licensing laws thereafter.