asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions for the sale of alcohol to under age persons secured against offlicences in the north city area of Dublin; if he is concerned at this growing problem; the action the Garda can take to resolve this situation and if he will detail the efforts of the Garda to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Under Age Drinking.
200.
Garda statistics are compiled on a district basis and for the purpose of replying to this question the seven districts which make up the Garda Dublin North Central and the Garda Dublin Northern Divisions have been used. There were no convictions for supplying or selling drink to persons under 18 years over the past 12 months. Three prosecutions are pending and these cases will be dealt with by the courts in due course.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that special attention, including supervision of off-licenced premises, is and will continue to be given to the enforcement of the relevant legislation in this area and that appropriate action will be taken when breaches of the law are detected.
I am concerned at the level of consumption of alcohol by young persons in general and I intend to include measures to counter this problem in the proposed intoxicating liquor Bill.
I might also say that while changes in the law have an important contribution to make towards the solution of under age drinking, the problem can only be successfully tackled in the much wider context of the social, education and recreational opportunities which are available to young people.