Vol. 561 No. 1
471 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the responsibility which he has in relation to the underage use of alcohol in licensed premises and otherwise and the abuse of alcohol in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3575/03]
While I have general responsibility for the liquor licensing laws in my capacity as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, certain other Ministers, and their respective Departments, have responsibilities in relation to particular aspects. For example, the Minister for Health and Children has responsibilities for public health policy, while road safety legislation comes within the ambit of the Minister for Transport. The granting of intoxicating liquor licences and their renewal is generally a matter for the courts, while enforcement of legislative provisions is the responsibility of the Garda.
With regard to young people, the licensing laws contain a comprehensive set of provisions designed to tackle the problem of underage drinking. The primary purpose of these provisions is to make it as difficult as possible for persons under 18 years of age to procure alcohol. The main legislative provisions relating to underage drinking are set out in Part IV of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988. The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 provided for a considerable strengthening of the law in relation to the supply or sale of alcohol to underage persons, including temporary closure of licensed premises convicted of selling or supplying alcohol to such persons.
As regards the violence and crime associated with excessive drinking, the Garda already have extensive powers under existing legislation to deal with public order offences. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2002, will, when enacted, give the Garda significant additional powers in dealing with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. I also intend to bring proposals to Government as soon as possible to strengthen legislative provisions in relation to drunkenness, as well as violent, and disorderly conduct on licensed premises, in line with the recommendations of the Commission on Liquor Licensing in its most recent report.
Alcohol consumption here has increased significantly over the past decade. We have reached the stage where there is a much greater awareness of the extent of alcohol related problems in our society. The licensing laws have an essential role to play in combating alcohol related harm, including underage consumption of alcohol. However, action is required on a much broader front. The drinks industry, the licensed trade, sporting organisations, the media and not least parents have important roles to play in addressing the problems that we face in this area.
