Vol. 504 No. 2
90 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government's proposals for reform of the licensing laws particularly in regard to pub opening hours; when he will bring proposals before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11541/99]
I have already indicated to the House that a scheme of an intoxicating liquor Bill has been prepared in my Department.
The proposals 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. I can confirm that my proposals make provision for alterations to the permitted hours of opening of licensed premises generally.
A Government decision on the details can be expected in the very near future and the details will be announced in the normal way.
