Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of pub licences that were refused in the years 2007 to 2011, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1424/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are responsible for the administration of the issue or renewal of public house licences. The numbers of licences issued for each of the calendar years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 to date are set out below. Please note that the licensing year runs from the 1st October to the 30th September.

The Revenue Commissioners may only facilitate the issue of a licence when the appropriate certificate has been issued by a District Court and certain conditions, as set down in the legislation, are met. These include:

· Valid, Original Court Certificate (New Licensee)

· Valid Tax Clearance Certificate

· Short Certificate of Incorporation (if Licensee is a company)

· Certificate of Registration of Business Name

The Revenue Commissioners facilitate the issue of publican licences on the instruction of the Court Certificate and therefore the right of refusal to apply for a licence rests with the Court. Accordingly the Revenue Commissioners do not record the numbers of refusals in any particular period.