asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to introduce legislation governing the endorsement of vintners' licences in order to give district justices discretion as to whether a particular offence merits a fine or endorsement or both.

25.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation to change the existing law which demands a mandatory forfeiture of a vintners licence as a result of comparatively minor offences; and if he will leave such a sanction to the discretion of the courts.

26.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the present position under the Refreshment Houses of Ireland Act, 1860, and the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1927, and amending Acts whereby there is absolutely no age limit specified and that a person of any age can purchase up to two gallons of wine in any shops or supermarkets which have wine licences; if he intends to amend this present legislation and impose an age limit as exists under the Intoxicating Liquor Acts in connection with the sale of other intoxicating liquor.

(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 to 26, inclusive, together.

I am not to be taken as agreeing with the interpretation of the existing law implicit in the third question. However, it would not be appropriate for me, in reply to a parliamentary question, to make a statement about my understanding of what the law on a particular matter is, and I am simply making my reservation clear for the record.

As regards the substance of the questions, the legislation relating to intoxicating liquor is under review with a view to deciding what specific amendments should be introduced. All aspects of the legislation are being borne in mind.