Vol. 509 No. 1
82 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of publicans against whom proceedings were taken in each of the past five years for selling alcohol to minors; his views on the adequacy of the law in this regard in view of the social problem of underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19738/99]
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of underage drinking are included in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. The primary purpose of those statutory controls is to make it as difficult as possible for persons under 18 years of age to lawfully purchase alcohol, or to be in possession of it, or to consume it other than in a private residence.
I also made arrangements earlier this year to introduce a voluntary national age card scheme which will greatly strengthen the existing measures aimed at curbing the sale of alcohol to persons under 18 years of age. Any person who has attained 18 years of age is entitled to apply for an age card at his or her local Garda station. The introduction of the scheme will make a significant contribution to the continuing fight against underage drinking.
Of course measures aimed at curbing the supply of alcohol to young people cannot, on their own, be expected to solve the underage drinking problem. Measures are also required which deal with the demand for alcohol among under 18s. The Garda plays a prominent role in this regard in participating in school programmes which deal with the abuse of alcohol by young persons. The Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children are also very much involved in measures that address the demand side of the problem.
Statistics for each of the past five years where proceedings were taken against the holders of on-licences and off-licences relating to the sale of alcohol to persons under 18 years are as set out below.
|
1998 |
1997 |
1996 |
1995 |
1994 |
|
|
Offences by the holders ofOn-Licences |
147 |
219 |
90 |
106 |
69 |
|
Offences by the holders ofOff-Licences |
14 |
15 |
22 |
3 |
27 |
