asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that uncertainty as to the Government's intentions regarding the majority recommendation of the Liquor Commission concerning bona fide trading, which, if implemented, would cause much unemployment in Tramore and other areas, has had the effect of depreciating seriously the value of licensed premises in these areas, and is holding up traders who intended to improve their premises; and if he will now make a statement on the Government's proposals in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liquor Commission Recommendations.
The report of the commission is still under consideration and I am not yet in a position to say what action may be taken on its recommendations nor do I expect to be able to do so for some considerable time.
Will the Minister not agree that it is of the utmost importance that an early decision should be made and announced on this matter, and would the Minister endeavour to see in the interests of all concerned that that will be done?
Perhaps the Deputy does not realise the difficulties involved in a question of this kind. First of all, this is a pretty voluminous report as the Deputy no doubt knows. It has to be examined departmentally. It is now in at least five or six different Departments undergoing examination. When it comes back it will then have to be examined in my own Department, by myself, and submitted to the Government. When the Government has dealt with it eventually it must be submitted to the draftsman, and with all that type of administrative delay I could not promise any specified date on which I would be likely to introduce the Bill dealing with this situation.
Could the Minister not give some indication as to when this matter will come before the Dáil as the trade and the country generally are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the recommendations which are rather important to the trade?
I could not give any indication at all.