Vol. 560 No. 1
859 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make provision in legislation to allow a health board to have the right to object, on public health grounds, to the granting of new or renewed licences to sell alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2122/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 859 and 860 together.
In its interim report of May 2002, the strategic task force on alcohol recommended a statutory role for health boards in relation to the granting and renewal of intoxicating liquor licences. It also recommended that health boards be allowed to set specific conditions for licences in their respective areas. As regards legislative reforms in this area, I have already announced a comprehensive codification of the entire liquor licensing code. This codification will draw on the valuable work of both the strategic task force on alcohol and the commission on liquor licensing and the recommendations set out in their respective reports.
