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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 2

Written Answers. - Under Age Drinking.

Seán Ryan

Question:

41 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Garda youth policy to deal with violent incidents involving young people, especially when drink is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6082/02]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the recommendations of the Garda Youth Policy: Advisory Group Report are currently under examination by a cross-functional Garda working group, which will draft an implementation plan to be submitted to the Garda Commissioner for approval.

The report contains two recommendations relating specifically to matters within my functional remit, namely, the proof of age scheme and the use of mobile CCTV units.

In the former case, the high level interdepartmental working group established to agree a co-ordinated response to recommendations contained in the interim report on off-licensing concluded that the age card scheme was seen as operating successfully but that efforts to promote awareness and usage of age cards should be intensified. In that context, I established a review group within my Department to examine, in consultation with the Garda authorities, the current age card scheme and to make appropriate recommendations. The review group submitted its report to me in December 2001, and I am currently deliberating on its conclusions.

With regard to the latter recommendation, I am pleased to report that my Department has approved a request received from the Garda authorities for the purchase of a mobile CCTV unit. I understand, in this regard, that the Garda authorities are currently in the process of making the necessary arrangements to have the mobile unit operational as soon as possible.

The report also recommends the establishment of a regulatory system for fast-food outlets, mainly in relation to opening hours and security standards. This matter is framed in the context of legislation to enable the making of local by-laws and, as such, comes within the area of responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

Having stated this I believe more law enforcement measures are needed in this area, and I propose to introduce further legislation aimed at tackling the problem. In this regard, I have recently sought and received Government approval for the drafting – on a priority basis – of a new Criminal Justice (Public Order Enforcement) Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide the Garda Síochána with additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. It will target drunk and unruly elements who congregate late at night outside or in the vicinity of licensed and other premises, such as fast food outlets, and who by their aggressive and intimidating behaviour threaten the peace and well-being of decent citizens and are a danger to others and themselves.

As announced in the Government's legislation programme on 29 January 2002, it is planned that the Bill will be published before Easter.

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