asked the Minister for Justice the reason a summons served in relation to after-hours trading in a licensed premises (details supplied) in County Cork on 4 November 1979 was subsequently withdrawn.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensed Premises Summonses.
21.
asked the Minister for Justice the reason an instruction to the Garda to prosecute in relation to after-hours trading in a licensed premises (details supplied) in County Cork, on 17 November 1979 was subsequently changed.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 21 and 22 together.
With regard to the incident on 4 November 1979, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a summons was not issued in this case and accordingly the withdrawal of a summons did not arise.
As regards the incident on 17 November 1979, the Garda authorities have informed me that no instruction to prosecute issued in this case.
Both incidents were investigated by the Garda and it was considered that prosecutions were not warranted.
Could the Minister tell the House whether it is usual in this part of County Cork for prosecutions not to be taken in respect of large numbers of persons who are found on licensed premises after closing time?
I have no idea. As the Deputy will appreciate. I am not involved in decisions on whether or not prosecutions would be issued. I have no idea what the practice is. I presume that the licensing laws are being enforced fairly and squarely across the board everywhere.
Is the Minister satisfied that the superintendent of the gardaí in the area concerned has the full confidence of all the men under his command?
That is a separate question.
I would certainly hope so. If the Deputy has any information to the contrary, I should be glad to have it and to bring it to the notice of the Garda Commissioner for his attention.
This is a separate question and is something that should not be said, anyway.