Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
320. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way he will ensure that public health concerns will be addressed and oversight of licence applications will be retained with regard to liquor licences as part of the review and audit of licences currently being conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/13]
View answer321. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the proposals in his review and audit of licences concerning liquor licences will be consistent with the recommendations of the national substance misuse strategy, in particular the need to ensure that those benefiting from the sale of alcohol products make a greater contribution to meeting the costs on the State of alcohol misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25276/13]
View answer322. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if holders of liquor licences will pay more, the same or less for licences following the review and audit of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25277/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 to 322, inclusive, together.
The Forfás report on “The Review and Audit of Licences” recommended the introduction of an integrated licensing system. The Government considers this project to be of significant importance and has positioned it as one of the Disruptive Reforms in the Action Plan for Jobs 2013. Such an integrated licensing system, which will streamline the licensing application process, is a reformative step in reducing the administrative burdens for business. Delivering an integrated licensing system, in the first instance for the retail sector by the end of the year, will require the firm and on-going commitment and engagement of the relevant licensing authorities to work closely with my Department and with Forfás.
A key goal of the proposed system is to support the licence application process through the provision of a single portal or website through which businesses will be able to apply for, and renew, a multiplicity of licences. I should stress that this system will not interfere with the policy aims of the regulations that underpin existing licences. The relevant licensing authorities will continue to authorise and enforce the licences in the usual way. The policy issues referred to in the Deputy’s questions are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
