The Taoiseach has cast doubt over whether new laws to allow nightclubs to stay open later will be in place in time for the summer.
It was originally expected the changes, that would permit clubs to keep operating until 6am and pubs until 12.30am, would be ready before Christmas.
Speaking in Bucharest on Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said it will allow Ireland to have the kind of nightlife pretty much every other European country has.
"I don't know if it'll be done by the summer, it's something I've been pressing Minister Helen McEntee to make progress on.
"It's legislation I'd like to see enacted as soon as possible.
"As Minister McEntee points out, she has many priorities, and more important priorities than opening nightclubs late, perhaps".
