asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that owing to the regulations of the Revenue Commissioners restricting the release of five-year-old spirits from bond many merchants are being seriously inconvenienced, that new trade cannot be developed, and that the Distillery Companies have obtained concessions in this respect, and if, in view of the fact that the Council of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce have requested it, he will issue instructions that any spirits that have been bonded for five years or upwards, may be immediately released on the payment of duty by any owner.

As soon as the Immature Spirits (Restriction) Bill, which has been passed by the Oireachtas, becomes law, spirits which have been warehoused for five years and upwards will not be subject to any restriction.

Could the Minister see his way to remove restrictions on spirits which are over five years in bond?

I am advised that I cannot, but the Bill was passed by the Seanad last Friday and it will be presented to the Governor-General on Friday; immediately afterwards all the restrictions will be withdrawn.