asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what is the present position regarding the making of an hours of trading order for Enniscorthy urban district and when he expects that such an order will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Enniscorthy Trading Hours.
77.
Proposals made to my Department by an organisation representing shopkeepers in the Enniscorthy area, for restriction on the hours of trading in certain shops, are at present the subject of correspondence with the organisation concerned. When this is completed, I hope to publish in the newspapers the usual statutory notice indicating my intention to make an Order under the Shops (Hours of Trading) Act, 1938, and inviting, from intrested parties, may representations they may wish to make.
Would the Minister say when he received the first application?
In July.
Would the Minister not admit it has been going on quite a time?
On receipt of the application from the employers, there were representations from other interested groups who had to go into consultation with the employers. The delay was not in my Department.
Will the Minister try to clear it up as soon as possible?
Allowing three weeks for consultations, it should take about a month.
Hang on until after Christmas.