Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Taoiseach if there is evidence that the recent changes in the licensing laws have resulted in a reduction of employment in that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40752/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of the number of persons in employment. With regards to sector of employment, the NACE classification is used and licensed premises are included in the Hotels and Restaurants sector under that classification. The latest available figures relate to the second quarter of 2008, which was before the introduction of the changes in the licensing laws. These figures showed an estimated 128,600 persons in employment in the Hotels and Restaurants sector. However, it is not possible to estimate how many of these people were employed within licensed premises specifically.

The next QNHS (third quarter 2008) is due for release on Friday, 21 November 2008.