752. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if, in relation to pub licensing laws, consideration has been given to circumstances where a rural pub closes and the licence is transferred or sold to another premises, the original pub is prevented from opening in the future; and if there are plans, including in any forthcoming amendments to licensing legislation, to provide protections for such licences, including the possibility of specific provisions or licences being designated for rural pubs, in order that they are retained within rural communities and continue to support the viability of rural pubs in their local areas. [37731/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: All public houses require a licence to sell alcohol, irrespective of their location. Where a rural pub closes and the licence is transferred or sold to another premises, the original pub is permitted to re-open, once a new licence is acquired.