Michael Ring
Question:204 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put the national identity card scheme on a compulsory basis rather than on a voluntary basis. [21216/00]
Written Answers. - National Identity Card Scheme.
I have already indicated to the House on a number of occasions in reply to parliamentary questions that the intoxicating liquor law provides only for a voluntary age card scheme and I have no plans to amend that law to provide for a mandatory scheme. The age card scheme, which I initiated by way of regulations under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, is for persons who are legally entitled to purchase or consume alcohol and who wish to do so. It would make no sense to make the scheme mandatory because it would then apply to all persons even those who do not wish to enter a licensed premises.