I assume that the Deputy is raising the question of changing the legislation due to the recent case of Maughan v. the Glimmer Man Limited which is a decision of the office of the Director of Equality Investigations under the Equal Status Act, 2000.
There has been a certain amount of misunderstanding concerning the finding of the equality officer in this case, which has given rise to concern on the part of the licensed trade – and on the part of parents – about the licensing, opening and operation of licensed premises.
For whatever reason, the impression that gained wide currency, was that the equality officer had ruled that children may be present in a licensed premises at any time provided that they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
There were some important qualifications in the decision which, unfortunately, were not sufficiently highlighted in the public discussion and in media coverage which followed.