asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, his Department has regarding the liquor licensing laws; if he is aware of the problems of under-age drinking and the sale of liquor to young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Under-Age Drinking.
18.
An Intoxicating Liquor Bill is at present being drafted which will give effect to proposals recently approved by the Government that are primarily designed to remove impediments to the full development of the tourist trade. The general lines of those proposals have already been indicated publicly.
I am well aware of, and deeply concerned, at the problems of under-age drinking. While I do not suggest that social problems of this kind can be solved by legislation, I believe that in certain respects prudent legislation can help and, therefore, I am considering proposals relevant to under-age drinking for inclusion in the forthcoming Bill.
In addition, my Department are carrying out a more general review of the intoxicating liquor laws, which are also being examined by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Legislation. I would envisage further legislation in this area after the current proposals have been dealt with.