A Labour attempt to extend pub opening hours failed in the Dail last night. Its Licensed Premises (Opening Hours) Bill, which allowed for the late opening of pubs and an end to the Good Friday ban on opening, was defeated by the Government by 66 votes to 56.

The Labour spokesman on justice, Mr Pat Upton, who moved the Bill said the Government should take cognisance of the public views expressed by the Minister for State, Mr Fahy, on public licensing hours.

He said Mr Fahy has stated that he anticipated a change in the licensing laws by the end of the summer. However, in the list of proposed legislation issued by the Government this week, there was no provision to move on changes in licensing hours.

Ms Mary Wallace, Minister of State for Justice, said there was a developing consensus that the way forward in relation to improving our liquor licensing laws was to await the recommendations of the sub-committee which had devoted much energy to a review of the licensing code.

The Minister for Justice had undertaken that any recommendations arising from that review would be given serious consideration with a view to amending legislation.

Mr John Ellis (FF, Sligo-Leitrim) said they should allow the Oireachtas Committee to make its report, but the issue should be given a good teasing out.

Mr Jimmy Deenihan (FG, Kerry North) said he supported the idea of a national identity card scheme.

He agreed with the Vintners' Federation of Ireland which said at its meeting this week that there was inadequacy in the current laws. What was needed was a total review.