911. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice if steps are being taken to reform the licensing laws to support Ireland's night-time economy and cultural life, including the introduction of an annual night club licence, longer opening hours for cultural venues and transferring the licensing laws to the responsibility to the Department of Arts, Media, Communications and Sport to better support a vibrant and flexible arts and culture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24467/25]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice: The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws and in keeping with that commitment, the legislation will be advanced in due course. The Government's Summer Legislative Programme, published on 29 April, set out the Bills that have been prioritised for publication and for drafting in the current Dáil session. Further elements of the Programme for Government, including in this field, will be advanced in subsequent legislative programmes.

It is important to emphasise that other night-time economy matters are being progressed by, and are the responsibility of, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The Government has no plans to transfer responsibility for liquor licensing legislation to that Department.