23Ranking of applications

23 Ranking of applications S. 23(1) amended by No. 64/2012 s. 21(2). (1) If more than one application for a licence in respect of the same land is received on the same day, the Minister must rank those applications in accordance with this section. S. 23(2) amended by No. 64/2012 s. 21(3). (2) The Minister must give the highest ranking to the application that he or she believes will best further the objectives of this Act after considering— (a) the relative merits of the applications; and (b) the likely ability of each applicant to meet the requirements specified in section 15(6). S. 23(3) amended by No. 64/2012 s. 21(4). (3) Once an application has been given the highest ranking, any further assessment of the application must be made without regard to anything contained in applications having a lower ranking.