Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 723: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the origin of the ban on alcohol sales on Good Friday; his views on whether it is appropriate for such a ban to be continued in a modern multidenominational Ireland; his further views on allowing off-licences to open on Good Fridays in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15226/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have no current proposals for changes in legislative provisions relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor on Good Friday which have their origin in the Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833. However the matter can be debated further in the context of the sale of alcohol Bill which will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004 and is due for publication later this year. I should add that the response to last year's consultation process on the draft Bill did not indicate a substantial demand for changes to existing provisions.