Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

While I cannot accept the amendment, I have some sympathy with the sentiments expressed in it. My advice is that "dial a can" is already illegal. In its report the group suggested that there should be enforcement of the existing provisions. It did not recommend any legislative change. The Garda was represented at chief superintendent level and the group recommended that the Garda target "dial a can" and similar services with a view to prosecuting the offending licensees. I would expect that the Garda would target those services. While my advice is that it is already illegal and needs no further legislative change, if something comes to our attention between this and the publication of the sale of alcohol Bill towards the end of this year or in the new year, we will re-examine it.

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