Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2054. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the current use and regulation of special exemption orders, SEOs, for licensed premises; the number of SEOs granted in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, the associated costs to venue operators, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42362/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2125. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his position on the requirement for nightclubs to apply for a special exemption order for each night they are operating at great direct and legal costs to their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43958/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2054 and 2125 together.

Licensees wishing to operate a late bar or nightclub must apply to the District Court for a Special Exemption Order (SEO) pursuant to s.5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended. An SEO is required for each night the licensee proposes to open late. An SEO allows for a publican to serve alcohol until 2.30 a.m. on the date specified in the SEO. The granting or refusal of an SEO is entirely a matter for the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. The decision of the District Court is appealable to the Circuit Court.

In 2022, the then Minister for Justice halved the cost of applying for an SEO. S.I. No. 479/2022 - District Court (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2022 provides for the 50% reduction in court fees for Special Exemption Orders from €300 to €150. No end date is provided for in this SI. The SI can be accessed herewww.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/si/479/made/en/print

The Minister for Finance also approved a 50% reduction in the Excise Duty from €110 to €55. This is provided for by section 49 of the Finance Act 2022: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/act/44/section/49/enacted/en/html

The Financial Resolution (no 4) can be accessed here: 235720_266d2f3a-1bdc-4a27-b9af-7dc58f77533e (1).pdf

These reductions in fees and excise duty were introduced to support licensees in the conduct of their business.

My Department does not record the number of SEOs granted, as this is a matter reserved entirely for the Courts Service. It is open to the Deputy to contact the Courts Service directly in this regard, using the dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie