asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988; if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offences Under Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988.
19.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been 3,311 convictions for offences under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, from the time the Act came into operation in the middle of last year until 30 April this year. I am satisfied with the operation of this legislation.
I should like to thank the Minister for his reply and to focus on the sections of the Act which dealt with under age drinking and drew a lot of favourable comment in the House. I am referring to Part IV of the Act. I should like to ask the Minister if he can give a breakdown of the number of prosecutions under that provision.
I should like to tell the Deputy that of the 3,311 cases 55 convictions were obtained for under age offences.
I accept that the Minister is deputising for his colleague, the Minister for Justice, but I respectfully submit to him that it is time we all acknowledged that the figure of 55 is derisory in the context of the overall problem. Will the Minister agree that one of the greatest social ills undermining the whole fabric of our society is the prevalance of under age drinking and the failure to control it? Will the Minister acknowledge that the number of convictions is an indication that the legislation has been totally ineffective and that it is time it was rigidly implemented? The provisions are in the Act but, obviously, they are not being implemented. A total of 55 convictions in the context of the problem is ludicrous.
I should like to tell the Deputy that 55 convictions were obtained and that there were 101 prosecutions.
Will the Minister comment on the sanction imposed on those convicted of supplying intoxicating liquor to people who are under age? Will he say if the facility of endorsing the licence of publicans has become obsolete since the new Act came into force? Will he comment on the sanctions imposed by the courts?
This is an extension of the question.
I do not have the information readily available. The Deputy has raised a separate question but I can tell him that in 1985 nine people were convicted of supplying and selling drink to persons under 18, five were convicted in 1986 and six were convicted in 1987.
Will the Minister agree that the most crucial part of the legislation dealing with under age drinking was the power to issue an identity card to young people? Will the Minister accept that that provision has not been activated by the Minister by way of regulation? Will the Minister agree that in order to implement all the provisions in the Act such a regulation should be introduced? I should like to draw the Minister's attention to the fact that when we were dealing with questions to the Minister for Justice on the last occasion, the Minister for Justice expressed interest in and support for a pilot scheme in the Greystones area in County Wicklow. Has the Minister any further information on the issuing of age cards under that part of the legislation dealing with under age drinking?
Obviously, as the Deputy said, the Minister is interested in this matter. I will convey the Deputy's views to the Minister. So far as the legislation is concerned, he is satisfied that it is operating satisfactorily.
Deputy Pat McCartan.
It is not operating at all. The age cards have not been brought into effect.
Order, please. Deputy Pat McCartan has been called.
May I ask the Minister when the provision in the Bill in regard to the requirement for shops and supermarkets to have separate areas for the sale of intoxicating liquor will be implemented? I understand that this has been a matter of intense discussion between the Minister and the trade. This provision must be implemented without delay.
All I can say in relation to that is, as soon as possible.