Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 3

Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

31 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the discussions, if any, he has had with other Departments in relation to the suggested extension of pub trading hours; if his attention has been drawn to the effects this could have on hotel owners who operate nightclubs; the implications this could have on the employment levels in tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11721/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

As the Deputy may be aware, my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has developed a set of proposals for reform of the liquor licensing laws which take into account the 1998 reports of the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights and the Competition Authority as well the various submissions received from interest groups and the public on the matter.

A number of representative groups including the Irish Hotels Federation and the Vintners Federation of Ireland have also referred to these proposals in the course of wider discussions on tourism matters. I have made my preliminary views known to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss the matter with my Cabinet colleagues when it comes up for final decision at Government.