asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that under a recent decision of the High Court area exemption orders granted prior to the operation of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, have been held to be valid for the periods for which they were granted; and, if in view of his statement to the effect that all such orders would be invalid after the implementation of the 1960 Act, he will cause to be refunded to all holders of area exemption orders the stamp duty paid on them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Area Exemption Orders.
6.
There is no connection whatsoever between the High Court decision in question and a claim for a refund of fees. The fee prescribed for area exemption orders was the same whether the order related to one Sunday or to several, and those orders that were regarded as inoperative as from 4th July had, in general, been in operation for several Sundays before that date.
I may add that an appeal against the decision in question is being taken in the Supreme Court.