asked the Minister for Justice if it is his intention to amend the licensing laws.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensing Laws.
17.
A Bill to consolidate the licensing Acts is in preparation. As Deputies are aware, such a Bill makes no change in the law. However, as a preliminary to the introduction of that Bill, it will be necessary to introduce an amending Bill to make a number of minor changes, such as the repeal of archaic and overlapping provisions.
I have not yet had an opportunity to consider fully whether any changes of substance are necessary but I can say that no plans are in hands to introduce major changes in the law in the near future and that, in fact, there are several aspects of the work of my Department which I regard as of much higher priority than changes in the licensing laws.
The Minister is very wise to bring in an amending Bill before the consolidation Bill. Would the Minister consider incorporating the proposals in the amending legislation in a White Paper and circulating it and inviting interested parties to submit additional amendments which might be desirable for consideration before the preliminary amending Bill is put on green paper?
I will convey that suggestion to the Minister.