I thank the Chair for allowing me to raise this matter and the Minister for coming into the House to respond. It is not the first time I have raised it with him. I raised the matter during the course of the debate on the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 2000, and also at Question Time when dealing with the issue of street violence.
While the overall level of alcohol consumed presents a serious problem, the level of alcohol consumed by young people presents a particular problem. In its recent report the World Health Organisation found that Ireland's teenagers are top of the European league when it comes to under age drinking. They drink more, get drunk more often and regularly indulge in binge sessions. Over one half regularly engage in drinking sessions. Lest anybody is in any doubt, the problem is as serious, if not more so, for girls.
We, in Ireland, have a reputation for drinking. While some sometimes speak as if they are proud of this, recent media reports, both on television and in the newspapers, have shown the uglier side of drink, particularly what it can do to young people. I can confidently state that most young people are of the view that it is the norm to start drinking at the age of 15 or 16 years. Many are also of the view, unfortunately, that it is okay to experiment with so-called recreational drugs. Almost 35% of teenagers have experimented with cannabis and ecstasy.
Street violence has been a topic for discussion on numerous occasions in the past 12 months. In fairness to the Government, there has been a reasonably good response in making our streets safer through the introduction of Operation Oíche in Dublin and Cork and, although delayed, CCTV cameras. Those who must deal regularly with street disturbances and their consequences will tell us categorically that the single biggest cause is alcohol abuse. Doctors in accident and emergency departments, gardaí and night club owners will all give the same answer.
The Government's response to under age drinking in the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 2000, was only half-baked. While the Minister rightly introduced more severe penalties for publicans and the owners of off-licences who serve alcohol to under age persons, he did not provide for any means by which they can assess accurately a person's age. It is impossible to tell the difference between a girl aged 16 years and a girl aged 19 years when dressed to go out for a night. My brother who is 16 years of age, as tall as I am and regularly borrows my razor looks more like a 20 year old. It is impossible for a publican, the owner of an off-licence or a garda to assess accurately a person's age.
Following the enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 2000, the Minister introduced a voluntary age card scheme. While I am open to correction, I understand that to date the scheme has been taken up by approximately 20,000 young people, which is lower than the number attending UCD. The scheme has not affected in the slightest the ability of young people between the ages of 14 and 17 years to obtain alcohol in public houses or off-licences as there is no obligation on publicans or the owners of off-licences to demand identification. They have, therefore, nothing to fear.
The introduction of a mandatory ID card scheme is the only way to ensure young people will be required to show identification, which cannot be forged, before being served alcohol in a public house. State ID systems are operated successfully in other countries. Canada and the United States are prime examples. Why is the Minister reluctant to consider this option? What are the negative aspects holding him back?
The Minister for Health and Children recently launched an awareness campaign on the abuse of alcohol, aimed particularly at young people. He is sending the right message. He is also doing a good job when it comes to smoking. When asked in Sweden ten days ago he said that he would consider speaking to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about the introduction of a mandatory ID card scheme. Has he done so? Is the Minister now thinking seriously about the need to introduce such a scheme?