asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to amend the present licensing laws to enable people in rural areas to enjoy the same facilities, particularly in regard to Sunday openings, as obtain in city areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensing Laws.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the existing licensing laws, and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the continual and flagrant abuse by motorists in Dublin and other large urban areas of bona fide drinking facilities for travellers, he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the existing law in the matter, and thus put an end to this dangerous abuse.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 33 and 34 together.
I do not propose, for the present at any rate, to ask the Government to authorise the preparation of legislation to amend the licensing laws for the purposes specified or at all. Should it be eventually decided to amend the law, all the relevant considerations, including those specifically referred to in the questions, will be taken into account.
Can the Minister give any good solid reason why people in the rural areas are not entitled to the same refreshment on a Sunday when these facilities are available to people living in the cities? Can he state why there is this difference in the treatment of people living in rural areas compared to that given to people in the city areas?
The whole question was discussed in this House in 1948, when there were five to one against opening on a Sunday.
Would the Minister consider closing public houses in Dublin City and elsewhere on a Sunday, and be serious about it?
These are matters which may be considered again later.