433. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the repeal the Dance Halls Act 1935 and replace with a new Sale of Alcohol Bill as per the recommendations of the Night Time Economy Task Force. [66845/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The statutory provisions concerning the licensing of premises for the purposes of public dancing are set out in the Public Dance Halls Act 1935 and in sections 2 to 10 and 21 of the Licensing (Combating Drug Abuse) Act 1997, in so far as they relate to public dancing licences. The primary purpose of these statutory provisions is to ensure the welfare and safety of persons present at events on the premises.

There are no immediate plans to amend the Public Dance Halls Act 1935.