Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 3

Written Answers. - Licensed Premises.

John Perry

Ceist:

227 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the problems caused by the clamp-down in the closing hours of public houses due to the unfair pilot scheme which results in the public moving to other venues that are not policed; the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation on this issue; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many jobs and the survival of family businesses in remote parts of the country are at risk; if he will agree a policy with the Garda Síochána on this issue in the absence of legislation on closing hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7882/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 12 March 1998. As I stated then, in certain circumstances exemption orders can be granted by the District Court and conditions may be attached to these orders on the application of the local superintendent. In such cases, it is a matter for local Garda management to see to it that the conditions attaching to the order are satisfied.

At present I have no plans to amend the liquor licensing laws. The Deputy may be aware that the Select Committee on Legislation and Security of the previous Dáil was engaged in a broad review of the licensing laws. That work is continuing under a sub-committee of the new Select Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights. Any recommendations concerning opening hours of public houses which may emerge from this review will, of course, be given detailed consideration in my Department.