Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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566. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason an application for a licence to sell intoxicating beer and spirits must come before the Circuit Court when the said licence has lapsed for more than one year; if he will consider a change in the law to allow such applications to be heard at District Court level therefore avoiding costs around fire cert applications and barrister fees in some cases amounting to €20,000 plus. [4208/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 24 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961 provides that the Circuit Court shall have jurisdiction in all cases of applications for new on-licences. Where an existing on-licence has been allowed to lapse during the preceding five years, this provision also applies to the grant of a new licence. The forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol on licensed premises by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with provisions more suited to modern conditions. My intention is that it will include a provision whereby all licensing matters shall be dealt with by the District Court.