Tourism Minister rejects call to allow pubs to open on Good Friday

Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe has rejected calls for pubs to be allowed open on Good Friday.

There have been demands from tourism and sports organisations for the law to be changed.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said that she will look at it - but not in time for this year.

Minister Donohoe said that he does not believe that licensing laws should be changed.

"I think the licensing laws as they stand at the moment are correct," he said.

"I know that this has been an issue of interest for some people, but I believe the laws, as they're set up to govern the availability of alcohol and the opening of particular venues is right for our society overall."