asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider making an exemption clause under the Shops Acts so as to facilitate certains towns such as Cobh in meeting the requirements of tourism; if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation.
- Shops Act Exemption.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to him on the matter on the 26th October last and add that I do not think circumstances warrant the introduction of special legislation at the present time.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not of the opinion that Cobh, to which the largest number of tourists come every year, would be entitled to the same treatment as Shannon Airport? If he cannot do this under the Act he should contemplate making some provision for an exemption clause.
The circumstances in Cobh and at Shannon Airport are somewhat different. The arrival and departure time at Shannon Airport is much more uncertain, due to weather conditions and other factors, than it is in Cobh.
I cannot accept that.