Vol. 270 No. 11
asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider introducing legislation to amend the licensing laws, particularly in relation to Sunday opening hours, so as to facilitate tourists staying in areas which have been designated by Bord Fáilte as primary tourist areas.
154.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider amending the licensing laws to make provision for persons attending sports fixtures such as coursing meetings and similar events.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions No. 140 and 154 together.
I have no proposals in mind for the amendment of the Licensing Acts, in the immediate future, at any rate. I am, of course, prepared to consider any proposals for their amendment but some proposals that have been made raise problems for which there is no easy solution.
I am not aware of any substantial demand for a change in the Acts to cater for sports fixtures and the like. Occasional licences granted by the District Court under section 11 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1962 are frequently obtained in respect of such fixtures.
