829. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, that exist for new legislation designed to lower the price and facilitate ease of access to licences for public bars and off licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48034/23]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: Following extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on 25 October 2022. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation, and the Committee’s report was published on 2 March 2023.

The Sale of Alcohol Bill was referred to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General’s Office for drafting in March 2023. This Bill provides for the modernisation and streamlining of our licensing laws and application process, some of which are over 200 years old. I recently outlined my intention for the Sale of Alcohol Bill to be separated into a Number One and a Number Two Bill. Work on what measures will be contained in each Bill is in the process of being finalised.

It is noteworthy that between 2005 to 2021, there was a decline of 21% in the number of pubs operating in Ireland. Many of these licences have fallen into abeyance. This presents a current opportunity for new entrants to the licensed market or for existing licensees to expand their businesses.