Batt O'Keeffe
Question:40 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to introduce a personal identity card. [8825/95]
Written Answers. - Personal Identity Card.
I have no plans to introduce a personal identity card.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Spring, when responding to a recent Parliamentary Question — as reported at Columns 1602-3, Volume 449 of the Official Report — stated that the possible introduction of a national identity card in Ireland is a complex issue which would require in depth debate. I concur with that view.
I am aware that section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, empowers me to provide, by way of regulations, for a national, voluntary, age card scheme as a means of helping to curb the supply of alcohol to under-age persons, i.e. under 18s. I consider that the most acceptable and effective way of dealing with this issue is through the promotion of voluntary local age card schemes. Such schemes backed by vigorous community involvement and with continual monitoring would seem capable of making a greater contribution to tackling under-age drinking than a single nationwide scheme. I understand that over 100 local schemes are operating successfully throughout the country and that plans are under way to establish new schemes in other centres.