asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to abolish fairs and markets on March 17th of each year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fairs and Markets on St. Patrick's Day.
The answer to the Deputy's question is in the negative.
Is the Minister aware that, because of the licensing regulations, there is a total closing of business premises on St. Patrick's Day and it is very difficult to carry on a fair on that day? Is he aware also that there is a strong body of opinion in favour of such legislation?
I think the Deputy must be living in the clouds. He may be aware that the question of the licensing regulations as affecting St. Patrick's Day has been very recently considered by a Commission.
That does not get over the difficulty that I have pointed out. Even if legislation, in the direction the Minister has indicated comes into effect, it will only apply to bonafide travellers. I want to indicate to the Minister that in certain parts of the country there are fairs held on St. Patrick's Day and also markets and under the present regulations there is a total closing of fully 90 per cent. of the business houses and that would still be the case even under the proposed change in the licensing regulations.
The Deputy, if he wishes, may bring in a short Bill to carry out his intentions.