Vol. 492 No. 1
207 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, the Government has to set up and implement a national ID system for over 18 year olds in an effort to combat under age drinking. [13417/98]
208 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans or proposals, if any, the Government has, other than a national ID system, for over 18 year olds to combat under age drinking. [13418/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
Section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, enables me to provide by way of regulations for the introduction of a national voluntary age-card scheme. I can confirm that arrangements for such a scheme are currently being examined by my Department with a view to making the existing controls on underage drinking more effective.
As I have stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 69 and 70 of 23 April 1998 and Question No. 438 of 26 May 1998 I look forward to the report on the review of the licensing laws being carried out by the sub-committee of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights. I propose to consider generally the question of amending legislation on our licensing laws in the context, among other matters, of publication of the sub-committee's report. A review of measures aimed at combating underage drinking will form part of that overall consideration of the law.
