Batt O'Keeffe
Question:17 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he intends to recommend legislative changes which would allow the issuing of additional pub licences in this country. [5357/97]
Written Answers. - Public House Licences.
The Deputy is aware that the question of legislation governing licences for public houses is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
However, as the Deputy will also be aware, following recent publicity on this matter which arose because of the reported increases in the price of a pint of beer, the Competition Authority has decided to invoke its new powers under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 1996 to commence a study of the Irish drinks market.
The terms of reference, set out by the authority itself, for this study are "to undertake a study and analysis of the liquor licensing laws and other barriers to entry and their impact on competition in the retail drinks market in the State". I understand this study is under way.
The Competition Authority has invited, by way of advertisements in the national press, submissions from interested parties. These are to be sent to the authority by 7 March.
I welcome this study and look forward to the results.