Dáil bar opening hours back on the table

Authorities in Leinster House are to consider shortening the hours of the Dáil bar.

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett has added the opening hours to the agenda for the next meeting of the Dáil's main technical committee.

He was responding to a request from Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to have the opening hours at the bar examined by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

"I’m sure you may be further concerned with the declining standards of behaviour and the increased boisterous and raucous outbursts during late sittings, which I believe are linked to the longer opening hours," Deputy Adams wrote.

Sinn Féin also said Deputy Adams asked the Ceann Comhairle to clarify if the Dáil bars have the correct licence, saying he had been told they do not.

The bar has been in the spotlight since it emerged that several TDs had been drinking heavily during the Dáil's late-night debates on abortion.