As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have responsibility for the general policy on intoxicating liquor legislation. In my view, I consider it an over-simplification of a complex issue to suggest that later closing times have led to an increase in street violence.
The question of extended hours possibly leading to an increase in alcohol-related problems was discussed in the Dáil and Seanad debates leading up to enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000. As the Deputy may be aware, a subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights completed a review of liquor licensing in 1998 and made a series of recommendations in relation to various aspects of the licensing code, including longer opening hours. In addition, extensive consultations took place with various interested parties prior to the passage of the 2000 Act at which the issue of extending opening hours was discussed.