Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 752: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Gardaí have expressed a view as to the desirability of staggered closing times for nightclubs; if bodies representing taxi drivers have expressed an opinion on the matter of staggered closing time for nightclubs; if so, the nature of the opinions expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29407/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In so far as the question refers to the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, the position is that the Garda Commissioner was consulted fully during the preparation of the legislation and was supportive of its contents. I am not aware of any views of taxi drivers on the subject of nightclub opening hours.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 753: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rating here among the 27 Members of the EU in terms of the closing time of nightclubs, in the order of those closing late and those closing early; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The trading hours of licensed premises, including nightclubs, are a public policy matter for individual EU Member States to determine and are generally a reflection of unique historical, social and cultural factors. In setting closing times, Member States may, in particular, have regard to factors such as local alcohol consumption patterns and levels of alcohol-related harm as well as public policy objectives such as promoting public health and maintaining public order.