asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to introduce the provision contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 for the introduction of identity cards on a voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
25.
Vol. 388 No. 10
asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to introduce the provision contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 for the introduction of identity cards on a voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a scheme in operation in Greystones, County Wicklow which involves the use of identification cards to curb under-age drinking in the town and which is being administered in consultation with the Garda Síochána; if he will undertake to introduce a similar scheme as provided for in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Priority Question No. 3 and Question No. 25 together.
The question of providing a national voluntary age card scheme for the purposes of the Licensing Acts, which I am empowered to do by regulations under section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, is under consideration. However, before deciding on the precise nature of any age card regulations, I consider it desirable to observe the impact of the many other controls on under-age drinking in the Act. I am monitoring the situation closely.
I am aware of the identification card scheme being operated in Greystones. It seems to me to be a model which could be followed with benefit in other areas of the country. As such it has my full support.