Alan M. Dukes
Question:48 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons charged and convicted for drinking in public places in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15298/99]
Written Answers. - Alcohol Offences.
Statistics for the number of persons charged and convicted are contained in the annual report of An Garda Síochána. The report for 1998 has not yet been published. I am informed by the Garda authorities, however, that 9,334 proceedings were commenced, and 7,176 convictions obtained for breaches of section 4 of the Act during 1998.
I should emphasise that these are the provisional figures for 1998, and are subject to change. The Annual Garda Report on Crime for 1998 will contain the final figures when it is published later in the year.