Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 583: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if outside of Dublin there is one public house licence per 300 people, approximately 29% of whom are under 18 years and therefore legally cannot be served alcoholic drink bringing the figure for those legally allowed to drink down to 213 per licence; if all licensed restaurants and hotels can serve beer with their meals; if the equivalent figure in the UK is closer to one pub per 1,000 head of population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19050/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 631: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to introduce a minimum or maximum number of pub licences to take into account the huge variation in population in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19472/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 631 together.

Statistics relating to the number of liquor licences, their geographical distribution throughout the country and the details of renewals of such licences are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I have no plans to preserve the number of such licences on a geographical or demographic basis. Statistics regarding the number of licensed premises in other jurisdictions are a matter for the relevant authorities in those jurisdictions. It is not the function of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to interpret the statute law by way of reply to parliamentary questions.