Vol. 530 No. 5
151 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions taken under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, in respect of the sale of alcohol to under age persons; the outcome in this regard; the number of prosecutions which are pending; his views on the effectiveness of this legislation in dealing with the widespread problem of under age drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the statistics requested in respect of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000 are not currently available. Statistics for the year 2000 are however being compiled, and will be issued in due course.
The Act, which I initiated as Minister, has been in operation since 6 July 2000 and all indications to date are that the legislation in general is operating satisfactorily. I appreciate that the changes provided for are wide-ranging and that it is too soon to draw conclusions about their full effectiveness. The operation of the law in this area will be kept under review by my Department.
I have arranged to meet the Garda Commissioner early next week to discuss the question of enforcement of the law as it applies to under age drinking.
