andMr. Enright asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the progress made to date on the recommendations of the Restrictive Practices Commission on competition in the licensed drink trade since his reply to Question No. 145 of 29 June 1978; if a decision has been taken on any of the recommendations; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensed Drink Trade.
22.
The recommendations of the Restrictive Practices Commission in their report of their study on competition in the licensed drink trade continue to be the subject of examination. As I indicated previously, many of the recommendations are concerned with sensitive areas. They are regarded as serious and the implications of implementing or not implementing them require very detailed consideration and examination. Decisions have not yet been taken on any of the recommendations.
Does the Minister of State expect a decision to be taken within the next six months on any of the recommendations?
I would not like to put a time on it. The Deputy knows from his own experience of the situation that it is very complex. The situation regarding licensing legislation is constantly under review in the Department of justice in particular and they have been looking at the recommendations. I would not like to commit myself to six months.
I appreciate that. Would the Minister of State give an assurance to the House that the findings of the report will be taken seriously and that it will not be shelved?
I assure the Deputy that the findings will be taken seriously.
And probably shelved.