691. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has engaged with small breweries and independent hospitality businesses regarding the impact of restrictions on draught serving measures; if he will consider their requests for greater flexibility in the interest of both fairness and responsible alcohol service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45801/25]

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: My Department has not engaged with small breweries and independent hospitality businesses regarding the impact of restrictions on draught serving measures.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) ensures accuracy in alcohol measurements by inspecting and certifying measuring instruments used by traders and verifying pre-packaged goods to ensure correct quantities. For a 35.5 ml pour of spirits (whiskey, gin, vodka) in an Irish pub, the NSAI's Legal Metrology division oversees compliance with standards, though they do not specify a legal requirement for all drinks like sherry or port, which may be sold by the glass at a publican's discretion. NSAI has not reported any issue with the legislation enacted in Ireland regarding glass sizes. Its role is to check the manufacturer’s CE mark to ensure that it is correct.

There is no legal requirement to serve pints or any rules about drink sizes – smaller quantities may be served – but it is the practice and custom in Ireland. Currently, the only measuring instruments in trade use that are not covered by EU Directives are drinks dispensers for alcohol. Instruments not covered by the Directives (i.e. alcohol dispensers) can be nationally type-approved. Alcohol regulation is expressly a matter for the Department of Health as is any change to alcohol regulation in Ireland.