Vol. 517 No. 1
179 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licences revoked in the past year, or the last year for which figures are available, for the sale of alcohol to minors; if his attention has been drawn to the continuing difficulties in many Dublin communities caused by under-age drinking; and if he has satisfied himself that the penalties are sufficient to address what appears to be an escalating problem. [9294/00]
The details sought by the Deputy concerning the number of licences revoked are not readily available, and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expendi ture of personnel resources. Statistics are however available for the number of proceedings taken in 1998 relating to the sale of alcohol to persons under 18 years. During 1998, 147 proceedings were taken against the holders of on-licences, and 14 against the holders of off-licences.
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of under-age 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 am well aware of the difficulties experienced in many communities by under-age drinking, and I have taken a series of measures to tackle the problem. In 1999 I introduced a voluntary national age card scheme which will greatly strengthen the 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. Over 7,000 cards have been issued to date. The introduction of the scheme will make a significant contribution to the continuing fight against under-age drinking.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 557 of 21 March 2000 which outlines provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Bill which is due to be published this session, which will strengthen the law further on under-age drinking.
