asked the Minister for Justice what consideration has been given by him to the increasing number of complaints being made both by organisations and by citizens about the abuses resulting from the late hours to which public houses are permitted to remain open.

I am not aware that the situation is as suggested by the Deputy.

The hours of opening of licensed premises were debated at length in this House in 1960 and again in 1962, and I am satisfied that nothing has occurred meanwhile which would go to show that the hours of opening prescribed in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1962, are not reasonable and do not have regard to the legitimate needs of the public.