Róisín Shortall
Question:510 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a number of recent cases where the Garda Síochána took prosecutions against publicans under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, but where the cases were dismissed in view of the fact that the alleged underage person did not produce a birth certificate in court; if, in view of the provisions relating to age in the Act, he will outline the basis on which such evidence was requested; if this is a loophole which needs to be addressed by legislation or through the Courts Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8203/02]