asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the social impact of the increase in the numbers of special exemption orders under the Intoxicating Liquor Acts, and if his attention has been drawn to widespread concern in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Exemption Orders.
12.
I am aware that concern has been expressed by some persons about special exemption orders. However, as I have said on previous occasions, I cannot undertake to give, by way of a reply to partiamentary questions, my views on the merits or demerits of any particular legal provision on which a Deputy might decide to seek comment.
As I have already indicated to the House, I have received many proposals for the amendment of the intoxicating liquor laws which I am having examined. Because of the very complex nature of these laws, a detailed study will, of necessity, take quite some time. If, as a result of this examination, I decide to recommend any changes in the licensing laws, an announcement will be made at the appropriate time. I think I might say that any meaningful statement on the social impact of special exemption orders would amount to something in the nature of a sociological essay.
I take it that the Minister has no objection to sociological essays. Could I ask him, in this review, if consideration has been given to various aspects of the relevant legislation? Am I right in concluding that this particular element of the exemption orders is under consideration?
I assure the Deputy, the House and the general public that I am, indeed, very gravely concerned at the number of such exemption orders issued in the last year for which I have figures—1979. In actual fact, there was an almost 100 per cent increase over the figure of five years before that.
I am sure the Minister is aware that is a cause of great concern, especially among parents.
I am gravely concerned and would certainly like to do something about it.