Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The restriction on intoxicating liquor licences is being introduced because of concerns that there might be a false equation of an intoxicating liquor licence as a form of intellectual property which would qualify for a tax relief. I assume, subject to the ruling of the Chair, that my amendment is in order because it relates to a tax relieving provisions.

In regard to head shops, the Government made a decision at the Cabinet meeting of 2 March to begin a notification process under the appropriate European Commission directives of our intention to make a declaration order under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended, declaring these substances, products and preparations to be controlled drugs for the purposes of that legislation. We have initiated the essential discussions that must take place with the European Commission before we can introduce the necessary restriction. We are optimistic about the discussions in which we are obliged to participate before we can proceed to prohibition.

I have responsibility for the licensing of bookmakers' offices, as we know from previous discussions, but I do not have responsibility for the intoxicating liquor code, which rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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