Leo Varadkar has suggested that plans to allow pubs and nightclubs to open until 6am may not be implemented by the summer.
This is despite the Taoisech stating that July that he hoped revellers would be able to enjoy later nights from the summertime.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee brought plans for extended opening hours to Cabinet last October 2022. Tourism Minister Catherine Martin previously suggested the laws would be in place before the end of 2023.
According to reports on TheJournal.ie, Mr Varadkar told reporters in Bucharest that he could not say if it would be ready by the summer.
READ MORE: Urgent Irish Passport warning to anyone going on holiday in the coming months
He said: “It’s something I’ve been pressing Minister McEntee to make progress on.
“As Minister McEntee points out, she has many priorities and more important priorities than opening nightclubs late perhaps, but she is working on it.”
The Taoiseach said he expects legislation “certainly” to be published before the Dáil’s recess.
“Whether it gets through or not is up to the Dáil and Seanad as much as it is up to the Government but we will have the legislation ready,” he added.
Sunil Sharpe, spokesperson for Give Us the Night, told Newstalk that it was “embarrassing” that we are trying to push through a promise that was made in principle by a number of justice ministers in the past that it would reform the opening hours and the laws for late night venues.
“We are still to push this over the line in 2024. It is embarrassing at this stage for all Governments that have been involved in this conversation.”
He added: “It could be done in a matter of weeks as soon as it hits the Dáil if they really wanted it to
“The idea that they’re saying it might be ready for people to see by the summer before they go on their summer holidays… And then what? It is not good enough.”
Proposed legislation unveiled by Minister McEntee in 2022 suggested extending pub and nightclub hours.
While last orders in nightclubs will be 5am, revellers will be allowed to stay on the premises until 6am.
Pubs, meanwhile, will be allowed to stay open until 12:30am seven nights a week.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .