Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Mar 1962

Vol. 193 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Review of Licensing Laws.

85.

Mr. S. Dunne

asked the Minister for Justice if in his review of legislation affecting the licensed trade he will consider the present unsatisfactory position resulting from section 19, Part III, of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 whereby hotel proprietors may purchase redundant licences in any part of the country and open hotel-cum-public bars in areas which already contain too many, as, for instance, Dublin city and county; and if he will consider the repeal of the section and the substitution of a provision requiring that new hotel licences shall be granted only on condition that two seven-day licences are extinguished in the same district court area.

86.

Mr. Kyne

asked the Minister for Justice if he will now consider repealing section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 and substituting a new section declaring that a hotel may only be granted an ordinary seven-day on-licence by extinguishing two seven-day licences in the immediate vicinity of the hotel and in the same district court area.

87.

Mr. Kyne

asked the Minister for Justice at what date he expects to have completed his present review of the licensing laws, particularly in regard to the hours for Sunday trading; and whether he will indicate what changes, if any, he hopes to make following on this review.

Mr. Haughey

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 87 together.

Beyond repeating that I am reviewing the operation of the licensing laws, and doing so as quickly as possible, I regret that I must decline to make any comment on matters such as those referred to in these Questions or to say what proposals I am considering or not considering or when I may have the review completed. Deputies will appreciate that, if amending legislation is approved by the Government, details of the proposals cannot be given in advance of the publication of the Bill. If and when a Bill is introduced, each Deputy can put forward any proposals he wishes.

Mr. S. Dunne

The question asks the Minister to bear in mind, when compiling his proposals in connection with the licensing laws, the fact that the Act of 1960 has resulted in the destruction of the licences of a number of publicans.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is making an argument, not asking a question.