asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1927, on the lines suggested by the deputation representing the Cork and Munster Licensed Trade Protective Association which waited on him on the 8th June last and, if so, when such proposals will be introduced?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Intoxicating Liquor Act.
In view of the lack of anything like general agreement, up to the present, on the subject of further amendment of the Licensing Laws, and the pressure of more urgent Government business, I cannot hold out any hope of early legislation in the matter.
Would the Minister state if he is prepared to get rid of certain anomalies? Will he state whether, for instance, the borough of Cork enjoys the same rights or privileges as other towns in regard to the extension of hours on the occasion of hurling and football matches and so on, and whether he would consider the advisability of extending to the borough of Cork the same facilities as are extended to Thurles and other boroughs in the Saorstát?
Personally I am not opposed to certain amendments of the Licensing Laws which seem to me reasonable and I would be inclined to consider the special matter mentioned by Deputy Anthony. But unless there was something like a general demand by all Parties here for legislation on those lines, I do not see that there is much substance in any promises that I would make at the moment. I say that because of the congestion of Parliamentary business.
I would like to ask the Minister to consider that there are only four cities in the Free State that cannot avail of the Licensing Laws on Sundays. These cities must close their places at 5 o'clock, after which no traveller is supplied. Because of that, Cork City is failing in the bringing of those matches to Cork. I am sure Dublin would have the same complaint to make. It is rather unfair to those cities.
Is the Minister aware that in the four boroughs, publicans are allowed to open for three hours on Sundays and to sell to anybody, travellers or others, whereas in Thurles they are not allowed to open at all on Sundays.
I am aware of that.
