asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a recent briefing given by the Irish Ballroom Proprietors Association; the action he proposes to take arising from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ballrooms Occasional Licences.
67.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the campaign by the Irish Ballroom Proprietors Association for an increase in the number of occasional licences available to ballrooms to two a week.
A provision of this kind would require an amendment of the Licensing Acts. Yesterday I introduced the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 1988, which contains the Government's proposals for the amendment of those Acts. The Bill has no provisions in relation to occasional licences for ballrooms. It is my opinion, after examination of the matter, that it would not be appropriate to include a provision, as proposed, increasing the number of occasional licences available to ballrooms.