Vol. 557 No. 4
431 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of premises which were visited or prosecuted under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, in the Dublin South-West area; and the steps his Department is taking to prevent the sale of alcohol to young people. [22561/02]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dublin South-West area comprises the sub-districts of Tallaght, Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Lucan and Leixlip. I am further informed that there have been 360 individual visits to licensed premises in the Dublin South-West area since January 2002 and that of the prosecutions taken to date two have resulted in closure orders. I am also informed that there are seven cases currently pending in relation to the supply of intoxicating liquor by license holders to underage persons and that a further three cases are pending in relation to the supply of intoxicating liquor by non-licensed holders to underage persons. I understand that members of the Garda Síochána in the Dublin South-West area are proactive in relation to dealing with consumption of alcohol in a public place, and on-the-spot fines are issued daily.
The national age card scheme, introduced by statutory regulation, continues to reduce the possibility of underage persons successfully purchasing intoxicating liquor.
