Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on increasing the off-licence fee in respect of beer, wine and spirits from the current level of €300; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15596/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In the Finance Act 2008 I increased from €250 to €300 the duty payable in respect of an off-licence for the retail sale of alcohol. In the normal course, many off-licence premises have three separate licences for the sale of alcohol, covering spirits, beer and wine, which, between them, allow the sale of all kinds of alcohol. The effect of the increase is, therefore, to increase the annual licensing cost for an off-licence from €750 to €900.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government Alcohol Advisory Group, established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, examined, among other matters, the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences; and the manner and conditions of sale of alcohol products in such outlets. The Group invited submissions from the public and reported to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 31 March 2008. The issue of any necessary legislative changes in relation to off-licences will be considered in the context of the Group's recommendations.