Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the extension, Europa already has a licence. There are legal constraints on the Government in terms of existing licence holders. This Oireachtas decided to ban, or recommended the banning of, the issuing of any future licences. The Government has adhered to that and it is part of the programme for Government. However, in terms of existing licences holders, of which there are just a few – one or two to the best of my knowledge – and in particular the case of Europa, the Department officials, independently of the Minister, examined that within the legal framework and we have to obey the law.

We cannot break the law.

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