asked the Minister for Justice the number of exemptions granted to clubs in respect of Sundays and the hour of closing since the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, came into operation last July.

A club extension applicable to a Sunday may be a continuation after midnight on Saturday of an extension granted for a Saturday night function, or it may be an extension granted for a Sunday night function. Including both categories, the total number of extensions granted to clubs since 4th July, 1960, in respect of Sundays up to 30th April last was 662 and the number in respect of Sundays subsequent to 30th April, including Sundays still to come, was 87. The hours vary, of course, but 2 a.m. is the most common limit and 90 per cent. of the extensions end not later than that.

The total number of registered clubs is 269. Each club is limited by law to a total of twelve extensions in the year.

Would the Minister not agree it would be a fairer system to extend the Sunday evening drinking hours rather than give some clubs and exclusive groups permission to drink until 2 a.m. on Monday?

Surely that is an argument?

Naturally it is, arising from the Minister's reply.

It is not a question.

Surely it is a fair comment?

It is questions the Deputy must ask.

It would require legislation to do it.