Batt O'Keeffe
Question:94 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to introduce a national age card underpinned by legislation as set out in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, sections 40 and 41. [4088/95]
Written Answers. - National Age Card.
Sections 40 and 41 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, relate to age cards for the prevention of under-age drinking. The more important provision is section 40 which 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 than 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.