asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider taking measures to curtail the sale of intoxicating liquor at supermarkets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Intoxicating Liquor Sales.
9.
I am not in a position to say what, if any, amendments of the Licensing Acts will be proposed by me.
Is the Minister aware that in certain new communities there has been some abuse of the licensing laws and young children are being served with such commodities as cider?
The Deputy is raising a separate issue.
I am not so aware but if the Deputy has details of any such abuse I would be glad if he would give me particulars or give the particulars to the gardaí of the area.
When does the Minister propose to amend the licensing laws?
I am not in a position to say what, if any, amendments will be proposed by me. It is a subject to which I have not given any study yet. I am not able at this stage to give a time.
Does the Minister not realise the seriousness of the position regarding supermarkets and displays?
In what way is it serious?
The displays in supermarkets are tempting.
The Deputy should avoid making statements.
I think we should have some control as we have in the case of licensed premises. A child is not allowed into a licensed premises but can go into a supermarket.
If a supermarket has a licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor it is subject to exactly the same terms as apply to an ordinary publichouse and for any breaches of the law it is liable to the same consequences.
Would the Minister bear in mind the need to curb the sale of cider to young people whether in supermarkets or elsewhere? It is a cause of great concern to parents that cider is so freely available.
I am aware of the concern regarding its sale to people under age. It is an extremely difficult offence to detect and I would be grateful if Deputies who might have information about offences of this type would bring it to my notice or to the notice of the gardaí in the areas concerned.
Is the Minister aware that merely because alcohol is on sale in supermarkets it is much more tempting to a customer, young or old, than it is in a publichouse and in the review of the licensing laws would he take account of the fact that supermarkets, by their nature, are a source of temptation to customers no matter what the product is? Also, in view of our high rate of alcoholism, rather than having Government Ministers crying crocodile tears, would he take some positive action in that respect?
I am aware of the high incidence of alcoholism in this country and of the concern of the Minister for Health to do something about it. No doubt when I come to review the Intoxicating Liquor Act the consideration as to how an amendment could help the Minister for Health in his problem will be a major factor.
Just a final question——
We are making no progress with questions today. If Deputies insist on debating each question, we shall get nowhere. I would ask Deputies to co-operate with the Chair in making some worthwhile progress. We have only disposed of nine questions in 20 minutes. The Chair is passing on to No. 10.