Vol. 544 No. 3
422 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the number of public houses and other outlets for alcohol in County Donegal which have been warned, prosecuted or closed for serving alcohol to minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28744/01]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 404 of 23 October 2001, which gave details of the number of prosecutions, warnings and closures of premises in the Garda division of Donegal under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000. The position remains as then outlined. As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no role in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. It is a matter for the Garda authorities to carry out investigations and to gather whatever evidence may be available before submitting a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Furthermore, as the DPP is independent in the performance of his functions it would be inappropriate for me to comment on such matters.
