asked the Minister for Transport and Power (a) what proposals, if any, his Department has in relation to the licensing laws and (b) if he will recommend any change in the licensing laws to facilitate tourists in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Licensing Law Proposals.
40.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Justice is responsible for intoxicating liquor licensing legislation. In view of my responsibility for the tourism industry, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Irish Restaurant Owners' Association made submissions to me in relation to the possibility of changes in the liquor licensing laws. These submissions are being examined from the tourism point of view by my Department in consultation with Bord Fáilte before being referred to the Minister for Justice.
Could the Minister say when he received the submissions?
In November, 1971, the Irish Hotels Federation made their submission to me and, very recently, in April, 1972, the Irish Restaurant Owners' Association made a comprehensive submission.
May I ask how long it will be before the Minister has reached his decision and sent it to the Department of Justice?
I will be doing that very shortly.