asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the date on which an increase was imposed on ordinary publican's licences from 2/6 to £1, and on exemptions from 10/- to £3, and the reason for these substantial increases; and if he is aware that the increases have caused resentment and general dissatisfaction in the licensed trade, and, if so, whether he proposes to adjust the charges to a more reasonable figure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increases in Publican's Licence Fees.
The fees in question were increased by the District Court (Fees) Order, 1956, which came into operation on the 1st October, 1956. The purpose of the Order was to reduce the gap between income and expenditure for the services of the District Court, that is to say, to raise revenue, and I know no way of doing this without causing dissatisfaction. I am sorry that I cannot see my way to reduce these particular fees, but I am not satisfied that they constitute an unfair burden for the licensed trade or that it would not be more unfair to ask other District Court users to carry part of that burden on top of their own share of the general increase in fees.