Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 7

Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

146 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Justice if she will amend the licensing laws to include a statutory obligation on a court to inform a County Fire Officer of the granting of an occasional alcohol licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12286/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I have no plans at present to amend the liquor licensing laws. However, the matter raised by the Deputy could be considered in any future review of those laws.

In the absence of statutory provision, I have asked my Department to discuss with the Department of the Environment and the law officers the possibility of introducing administrative arrangements which would put fire officers on notice in such cases.

With regard to existing legislation, the Fire Services, Act, 1981 provides for the inspection of any land or building by a person authorised for that purpose by a fire authority. In the light of such an inspection, the fire authority may apply to the High Court for an order restricting or prohibiting the use of the land or building, where it considers that persons there would be at serious risk in the event of fire. Such an order would supersede any permission given under any other enactment for the use of the land or building.