Dáil Éireann - Volume 32 - 23 October, 1929

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fairs and Markets on St. Patrick's Day.

Seosamh O Cinneide Seosamh O Cinneide

Seosamh O Cinneide asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to abolish fairs and markets on March 17th of each year.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: The answer to the Deputy's question is in the negative.

Mr. Kennedy Mr. Kennedy

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Mr. Kennedy: Is the Minister aware that, because of the licensing regulations, there is a total closing [6] of business premises on St. Patrick's Day and it is very difficult to carry on a fair on that day? Is he aware also that there is a strong body of opinion in favour of such legislation?

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I think the Deputy must be living in the clouds. He may be aware that the question of the licensing regulations as affecting St. Patrick's Day has been very recently considered by a Commission.

Mr. Kennedy Mr. Kennedy

Mr. Kennedy: That does not get over the difficulty that I have pointed out. Even if legislation, in the direction the Minister has indicated comes into effect, it will only apply to bonafide travellers. I want to indicate to the Minister that in certain parts of the country there are fairs held on St. Patrick's Day and also markets and under the present regulations there is a total closing of fully 90 per cent. of the business houses and that would still be the case even under the proposed change in the licensing regulations.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: The Deputy, if he wishes, may bring in a short Bill to carry out his intentions.

Dáil Éireann 32 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Fairs and Markets on St. Patrick's Day.

Questions

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