The Justice Minister says consideration is being given to allowing the sale of drink on Good Friday.

Frances Fitzgerald held talks with the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licenced Vitnners Association to discuss a range of issues, including the Good Friday ban.

There is a call for alcohol sales to be allowed this year, with rugby's Champions Cup quarter-finals scheduled to be held over Easter weekend.

Minister Fitzgerald says there is divided opinion on the issue - and there is no decision as yet:

The Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland told Frances Fitzgerald earlier this week that tourists are 'baffled and disappointed' to find Ireland's pubs are closed on Good Friday.

They have pressed the case to be allowed to open on the Friday before Easter and say it is particularly important this year because Leinster are due to play Bath at home in Dublin that weekend. They add it will be even more of an issue during next year's Easter Rising commemorations.

Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Fr Pat Seaver, campaigner on the links between alcohol and suicide, joined Newstalk Breakfast earlier this week to debate the issue.

You can listen back below: