485. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the progress of plans to reform licensing laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52629/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: Neither the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 or the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024 progressed in the lifetime of the last Government.

The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws. The Summer Legislative Programme, published on 14 April, set out the 38 Bills that have been prioritised for publication, and 26 Bills for drafting, in the current Dáil session. Other legislative projects, including work on intoxicating liquor legislation, will be taken forward in subsequent iterations of the legislative programme, to be determined by Government in due course.

Provisions in respect of the use of outdoor seating areas by licensees have been included in the Civil Law, Criminal Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. This will put these provisions on a permanent statutory footing going forward, and will give licensees, Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána the legal certainty they require for the operation of outdoor spaces.