asked the Minister for Finance if there has been any increase in the amount of intoxicating liquor consumed since the coming into force of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960; and, if so, if he will give the figures of increased consumption to the latest available date.

As the answer includes a Tabular Statement I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the information:

Revenue returns for the year ended 31st May last indicate, in general, increased consumption of intoxicating liquor. It would not be reasonable to infer, however, that such increase is attributable to the enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960. The trend towards increased consumption has been present for some years and other factors such as improvement in economic conditions generally must also be taken into account.

Particulars of the quantities of intoxicating liquor on which duties were paid in the three years ended 31st May last are appended.

*Figures for 1961 are provisional.