Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Licensing Laws.

Bernard Allen

Question:

370 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to reconsider his proposals to liberalise the licensing laws in view of the statement made by the chairman of the Irish College of General Practitioners, who believed that the liberalisation of the licensing laws will increase alcoholism and all the problems associated with it. [18890/01]

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

As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have responsibility for the general policy on intoxicating liquor legislation which is essentially concerned with the number and nature of licensed outlets and the persons to be licensed, as well as the times at which, and the persons to whom, liquor may be sold. This is not an easy task, nor is it something which I undertake lightly. Any change requires very careful consideration and deliberation.

The question of extended hours leading to an increase in alcohol related problems was discussed in debates on the Bill that led to the Act of 2000. While it is true that one must weigh up the consequential effects of any proposed changes, particularly if there is a question of them impacting unfavourably on the already significant problems associated with drink abuse, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that the majority of drinkers have a responsible attitude to alcohol consumption and care must be taken to ensure measures aimed at curbing drink abuse do not also have the effect of penalising the responsible drinker.

The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, which came into force on 6 July last, takes account of the June 1998 report on liquor licensing by the sub-committee on legislation and security of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights. The sub-committee, as part of its consultation process, invited submissions from interested persons and held oral hearings with a number of groups.

As the Deputy is aware, following enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, and with a view to continuing the important work of reforming the State's liquor licensing laws, I established a commission on liquor licensing in November 2000. The task of the commission is to review the liquor licensing system in the light of all relevant factors and to make recommendations for a liquor licensing system geared to meeting the needs of consumers in a competitive market environment while taking due account of the social, health and economic interest of a modern society. The membership of the commission represents a wide range of interests and the terms of reference include all aspects of the operation of the licensing laws, including an examination of the problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

The commission presented its interim report on off-licensing to me in April and I published it in May. The interim report contains recommendations on several aspects of the licensing laws including the problems associated with under-age drinking. The Government agreed that a co-ordinated response to the entire range of recommendations not relating to access to the off-licensed sector should be developed by a high-level interdepartmental working group of the Departments concerned. I expect the group to report to the Government not later than 29 June. The Government also noted my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in this area.

I propose to take all the commission's findings on the problems associated with alcohol related harm into consideration in the drafting of any new legislation with a view to providing for a licensing system which will facilitate the responsible drinker but which will also provide for generally acceptable controls aimed at preventing abuse.