Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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531. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update regarding the introduction of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024; if this will be published as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29637/24]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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532. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will reform the special exemption orders systems for late-night venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29638/24]

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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561. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the prolonged delays in the implementation of the cultural amenity licence legislation. [29939/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 531, 532 and 561 together.

It is my intention to separate the Sale of Alcohol Bill into two Bills.

Firstly, I intend to introduce the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024. This is 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.
• The inclusion of new grounds of objection in line with the Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
• Strengthening of the powers of An Garda Síochána to ensure that public safety and order are maintained.
• To provide that licensing applications, which are currently heard in the Circuit Court, will move to the District Court.
• The inclusion of the provision for outdoor seating.