Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill and the opening of licensed premises on Good Friday. The legislation was the subject of some discussion in this House prior to the break and passed Second Stage unopposed.

The proposers of the Bill understand that it is the intention of the Leader to make Government time available in the near future to deal with Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill in this House. It was suggested that the Bill should be amended to cover registered clubs, hotels and restaurants as well as public houses. I ask the Leader to confirm that he will make Government time available for Committee and Remaining Stages. I also ask him to indicate whether the Department of Justice and Equality wishes to draft the amendments or whether the Department is happy to allow the amendments, that have been canvassed to extend the Bill to cover clubs, hotels and restaurants, be drafted by the proposers and to improve the legislation, if necessary, at the relevant Stage.I ask the Leader to clarify his intentions regarding this matter and to confirm that it will be dealt with quickly and before the summer recess.