Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators for their time and their contributions. We hope the extension of the Act until 30 November 2025 sends out a message about our determination to continue to support and provide clarity to business, An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an important extension, which clarifies the position of licence holders who wish to sell and serve alcohol adjacent to a licensed premises in an area approved by the relevant local authority. With the extension of this Act, continued certainty is provided to licensees.

I reiterate that the Minister acquired Cabinet approval on 9 May last to ensure these measures are put on a permanent statutory footing in the Criminal and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025. This will remove the need to apply for these extensions every six months. As I previously indicated, it was not possible to do that before this point in time.

I think we can all agree that these measures will successfully address the relevant issues that arose for licensees and that they have worked effectively and will continue to do so for the period ahead, with the support of the Houses. Outdoor dining spaces boost the appeal and attractiveness of our cities and towns. They inject a new energy and a dynamism to local areas as well as providing much-needed support for local businesses. Having come through the past few difficult years, it is wonderful to see we are in a position where we can share our lively bars and restaurants with many new and returning visitors to our country.

With regard to the issues raised and echoed by Senator Boyhan and others regarding mobility and people with disabilities, I will convey the request to the Minister regarding communication to the CEOs of local authorities.