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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Introduction of Identify Card.

Bernard Allen

Question:

41 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to introduce a nationwide age card; and if she will underpin this with legislation as proposed by various youth groups in Cork. [272/94]

Máirín Quill

Question:

42 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Justice if she is considering the introduction of an age identity card for the purchase of alcoholic liquor in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2022/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.

Section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, empowers the Minister for Justice to provide by way of regulations for the issue of age cards on a voluntary basis to persons of or over 18 years of age. I have no proposals at present to make such regulations.

I am satisfied that the most acceptable and effective way of complementing the comprehensive set of provisions in the 1988 Act aimed at curbing under-age drinking is through the continued development of voluntary local age card schemes. Such schemes, backed by vigorous community involvement and with continual monitoring are, I believe, capable of making a greater contribution to tackling under-age drinking than a single nationwide scheme.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that more then 100 local schemes are in operation throughout the country and that plans are under way to establish new schemes in other centres. I am also informed that, overall, the schemes are considered to be reasonably successful and beneficial and that they have assisted in reducing the level of alcohol use by persons under the age of 18 years.
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