Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Select Committee on Justice and Equality

Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: Committee Stage

9:00 am

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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It is a very valuable Bill; I can see the value in it. I do not have a vested interest, as it happens. In terms of competing amendments, I have different views on them and there is value in both. I disagree with Deputy Wallace on some areas. As Deputy O'Callaghan said, no matter the circumstances, we have to take intoxicating liquor seriously. There is sense in having criteria in respect of the suitability of a premises. One has to take into account proximity to schools and all of that. That is relevant. Having said that, the case has been well made in respect of small microbreweries where it would be neither suitable nor workable to provide a tour. Whatever about on-sales, in terms of off-sales, there is an obvious logic in people being in a position to travel to microbreweries and purchase directly. I would be interested in listening to the Minister and Deputy Kelly. The case has been well made about the ability to purchase on site in very small microbreweries.