andMr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice whether he has as yet considered what amendments are necessary to the Intoxicating Liquor Act; and, if so, when he expects that the amending Bill will come before the Dáil.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Intoxicating Liquor Act.
42.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he will consider amending the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, in so far as it relates to Sunday trading.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 42 and 43 together.
As I indicated in reply to similar questions in Dáil Éireann on 16th November, 1961, I shall not be in a position to make any statement on this matter until such time as I have completed my examination of the position and submitted my recommendations for decision by the Government.
When does the Minister hope to complete his examination of this matter?
As soon as possible
When is "as soon as possible"?
I could not say.
With reference to question No. 43, would the Minister say he will review the position so far as Sunday trading is concerned? I think it highly desirable that he should do so. I am sure the Minister is well aware that many members of the rural community cannot get a drink on Sunday after Mass as is usual in country districts and as has been the position down through the years. I should like an answer to that.
I think every Deputy is aware of the fact that this is a most complex, complicated and difficult matter. At the moment, I am, in pursuance of an undertaking given by the Government, carrying out an examination of the workings of the present law. I cannot say anything about any of these matters, nor, indeed, can I give any indication that there will be any amendment of any sort, until such time as I have carried out a full and complete examination of all the different aspects of the matter.