Vol. 541 No. 4
409 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the communications he has had with the Minister for Health and Children regarding the problem of underage drinking throughout both rural and urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/01]
I have had consultations with the Minister for Health and Children during the preparation of all initiatives relating to the changes in the liquor licensing code, particularly those relating to underage drinking. Such consultations took place, for example, during the preparation and drafting of the provisions relating to underage drinking in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000.
I appointed a representative of the Minister for Health and Children to the Commission on Liquor Licensing when I established it in November last. Likewise, the Minister is represented on the high level interdepartmental working group established to prepare a co-ordinated response to the commission's interim report on off-licensing, which made certain recommendations in relation to the problem of underage drinking.
