Seanad debates

Thursday, 19 June 2003

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003: Committee Stage.

 

Taking the appeals process away from the tribunal into the District Court effectively means that the individual – it might be a woman, a gay person or a Traveller – trying to seek his or her rights will have to face a panoply of legal eagles. It really is a deterrent and goes against the spirit of the equality legislation. I heard the arguments of the Minister and others yesterday about people feeling that this item of the law had been – while perhaps not abused – misused or overused. Ultimately, it is the courts which interpret whatever has irritated us about the use of this law. It was the outcome of court cases which said that young people, or whoever it may have been in the particular case to which reference is made, were being discriminated against. I did not table an amendment, but I raised the question and hoped that the Minister might respond.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.