Vol. 503 No. 6
230 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the effects that the proposed new trading hours will have on licensed premises currently trading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/99]
I have already indicated to the House that a scheme of an intoxicating liquor Bill has been prepared in my Department to take account of the June 1998 report on liquor licensing laws by the sub-committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights and the September 1998 interim report of the Competition Authority. The proposals in the scheme are also a response to the many submissions which have been received from interest groups and individuals, in response to the invitation, by way of advertisements placed by my Department in the national and local press in August 1998, for comments on our licensing laws.
The heads of my proposals in that scheme have reached the stage where a Government decision on the details can be expected in the very near future. The details will be announced in the normal way.
