I have been contacted by numerous publicans over the past few weeks, not just in Drogheda but in my entire constituency, who obtained section 254 licences for outdoor dining. They have been told by local authorities that alcohol cannot be consumed in these areas under the liquor by-laws, however. I have contacted the local authorities for clarification. They said it is up to the Garda to interpret and enforce the by-laws. I contacted the Garda chief superintendent's office in Louth to be informed the Garda will continue to enforce this current legislation, including the intoxicating liquor laws and any amendments made as they arise.

Publicans, as the Taoiseach knows, have put much money and effort into ensuring their facilities will be able to cater for outdoor services. The Government told us this is going to be an outdoor summer.

Thank you, Deputy. The time is up.

Publicans are on their knees.

Time is up, please.

When will the Minister for Justice, Deputy Humphreys, sign the statutory instrument to correct this anomaly? The question is not if but when. She has known about it for a couple of weeks.

Thank you, Deputy. The time is up.

Weeks are passing by and businesses are on their knees. When can we expect that statutory instrument to be signed by the Minister?

The State has supported outdoor hospitality through grants, restart grants and so forth. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage gave supports to local authorities for the pedestrianisation of streets, along with the provision of facilities in various streets across the country. Outdoor hospitality has reopened very well and it has gone down very well. That needs to be acknowledged. The Garda has displayed commendable discretion to date.

The Minister has indicated that she will bring forward a regulation to deal with this, which will happen as soon as it is ready.

That concludes Questions on Promised Legislation.

I must say it is very disappointing to see so many Members who have a total disregard for the rules of the House, and for the minute that is laid down, and who routinely ignore requests from the Chair to desist, regardless of who is presiding. It is the height of bad manners at the very least.