Written answers

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

965. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider the issues pertaining to her Department raised by an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22624/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that licensed premises were allowed to reopen from 29 June 2020 under certain conditions, one of which is that a substantial meal must be served to any customer consuming alcohol. As I said in the Dáil last week, the vast majority of publicans and restaurateurs are fully compliant with the Covid-19 regulations which were introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Health. However, there are a small minority of licensed premises where potential breaches were recorded, including a number with multiple breaches. This represents an unacceptable risk to human life and public health and undermines the efforts and sacrifices made by the vast majority of people.

While the Covid-19 regulations contain a number of penal provisions, there are limited powers of enforcement. That is why I introduced the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020 into Dáil Éireann last week. The Bill applies to all premises where intoxicating liquor is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises, primarily restaurants and bars, but it also includes private clubs.

The Bill provides for three different types of closure orders of various duration, the shortest duration being closure for the remainder of the day, the longest being 30 days. The Bill will only ever affect those who have failed to comply or who refuse to comply with the direction from the Garda member. I am proposing effective powers for An Garda Síochána, and I would hope the mere existence of the legislation will encourage all to come into compliance. The approach adopted by An Garda Síochána throughout the pandemic to engage and to encourage compliance has been widely praised. The graduated policing approach has been highly successful and I expect that to continue. Enforcement will be a last resort.

I welcome the support for the enforcement measures that I have brought forward from the Association referred to in the question, and I have noted their ongoing concerns. The association in question has raised a number of issues around the reopening of the so-called “wet pubs” which do not serve food. While I am on the record as saying that I would hope the new enforcement powers will contribute to a situation where wet pubs can reopen, any decision in that regard will be taken by Government on the recommendation of the Minister for Health.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.