Jimmy Deenihan
Question:26 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to change the laws on underage drinking.
Written Answers. - Under Age Drinking.
Ivor Callely
Question:67 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that the controls contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 are adequate to address the problem of under age drinking; the beneficial effects, if any, which are noticeable since this Act was introduced; the other measures, if any, which are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 67 together.
In so far as legislation can combat the abuse of alcohol by young persons, I think we have in place a comprehensive framework to tackle the problem in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. Part IV of the Act deals with this particular matter and it reflects the determination of this House to make it as difficult as is legislatively feasible for a person under 18 years to purchase or otherwise obtain drink or to consume it, other than in a private residence.
The statistics which are available tend to support the view that these measures are having a beneficial effect. In this connection, I am circulating a tabular statement with my reply which shows a significant increase in the numbers of prosecutions and convictions for offences involving the supply or sale of drink to persons under age since the 1988 Act came into force.
However, I do recognise that there are no grounds for complacency in this matter. That is why I fully support the development of voluntary age card schemes organised on a local basis with the cooperation of parents, the Gardaí, vintners, schools and other interested bodies.
I think we would be fooling ourselves if we thought that under age drinking can be solved by more and more restrictive legislative provisions. The problem cannot be considered in isolation from the social, cultural and economic factors which are involved.