Seán Haughey
Question:543 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he is taking to curb excessive drinking of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12133/01]
Written Answers - Alcohol Consumption.
The Deputy will appreciate that the licensing laws were the subject of considerable review by the Oireachtas committee which reported in June 1998. The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, which I initiated, took into account many of the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee as well as submissions I received from groups and members of the public. During the passage of that legislation, I also took account of the views of Members of the House.
However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the majority of persons who drink exercise a responsible attitude to alcohol consumption, and it would not be appropriate that measures taken to help curb drink abuse would have the effect of penalising those who behave responsibly. The new trading hours, introduced by the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, reflect the changed pattern in drinking habits and are designed to facilitate the person who drinks responsibly. The Garda are well aware of the importance of enforcing all aspects of the licensing laws.
There are negative consequences that result from the abuse of alcohol. We are all too well aware of the contributing role which excessive alcohol consumption plays in fuelling criminal and anti-social behaviour. Many of the attacks and assaults that happen on our streets, particularly late at night, and sadly even among people of a young age, have their origin in excessive alcohol consumption. The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, strengthened the law against under-age drinking and provided that, where a conviction for the sale of alcohol to an under-age person is upheld, the licensed premises can be closed for a specified period. The additional provisions, in conjunction with the voluntary age card scheme, will assist in combating the scourge of under-age drinking.
As to the immediate policing response, the Garda Commissioner has indicated on a number of occasions that special emphasis is being placed by the Garda on the enforcement of the law in relation to street crimes. A national public order initiative known as Operation Oíche has been launched by the Garda Commissioner to tackle street violence and public disorder on the streets of large towns and cities. This project essentially involves the strategic use of extra gardaí to tackle the problem of violence among young people at or in the vicinity of certain discos and places where youngsters gather at night. The operation focuses on the primary areas of public disorder, public intoxication, under-age drinking, illicit drugs use and underage alcohol sales. Operation Oíche began as a pilot scheme in Dublin, and was extended to large towns and cities which, in the Garda view, require a similar targeted response. Garda CCTV systems already in place have had a very beneficial effect in addressing a variety of public order offences.
Particular operations such as those I have mentioned all require resources. I have been able to secure a significant and sustained increase in the resources allocated to the law and order system generally. This increase in resources has occurred across the entire criminal justice system, not only in relation to the Garda Síochána but in other areas such as the prisons and courts.
The House will be aware that on 1 November 2000 I established the Commission on Liquor Licensing under the chairmanship of Mr. Gordon Holmes. The commission is required to take account of social and health interests, as well as licensing ones, in its deliberations. The membership of the commission represents a wide range of interests and the terms of reference include all aspects of the operation of the licensing laws, including an examination of systems in other countries. The first priority of the commission, as set out in its terms of reference, was to examine the nature of the off-licence and particularly the method of access to the off-licensed trade. The commission presented its interim report on the off-licensed sector to me on 23 April last.
While legislative measures, together with initiatives such as the voluntary age card scheme can help to curtail the problem of excessive drinking, it cannot be viewed as the total solution. Dealing with the excessive drinking problem should not be seen as the province of State agencies alone – parents, the drinks industry and the media too, must also play their part in helping to address the problem.
Question No. 544 answered with Question No. 517.