Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - Licensing Laws.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

37 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, to alter or extend the licensing laws as they apply to public houses for the duration of the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25162/98]

Austin Deasy

Question:

71 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will bring proposals before Dáil Éireann for an extension of the hours governing the licensing laws. [25122/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 71 together.

The Deputies will be aware from previous statements in this House that amendments to the licensing laws are being considered in my Department. This follows the publication of the report of 18 June 1988 on liquor licensing laws by the sub-committee of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights, and the subsequent invitation, by way of advertisements placed by my Department in the national and local press on 4 August 1998, for comments on the report. The closing date for such contributions was 30 September 1998. In excess of 60 submissions have been received and these are in the course of being examined as part of the consultative process which I engaged in, with a view to a careful and in-depth examination of the question of amending legislation.

Additionally, the subsequent interim study on the liquor licensing laws published by the Competition Authority in September has provided further significant commentary on our existing laws. The recommendations contained in that report are also receiving attention in my Department.

My officials are proceeding with examination of the question of legislative proposals. It is my intention to bring forward proposals for the Government's consideration in the early part of the new year. In this context, however, it is worthy to note that the Oireachtas committee saw no necessity to recommend any changes in the existing provisions covering the Christmas period. The details of any decisions made will be announced in the normal way in due course.