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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - National Age Card.

David Stanton

Question:

569 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of national age cards that have been issued each year and the number currently to date in 2003 since the introduction of the scheme; the total amount collected each year to date since the scheme was established; his further plans to expand or develop the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8178/03]

The number of national age cards issued to date is as follows: 19 April to December 1999 – 4,017; January to December 2000 – 14,137; January to December 2001 – 30,045; January to December 2002 – 39,600; January to 24 March 2003 – 12,201.

A number of issues are being considered with regard to the national age card scheme. Application forms for the national age card have been available to premises other than Garda stations that are frequented by the relevant age group of 18 years and over, such as youth advisory centres, college students' unions etc. Posters advertising the national age card are available to all such premises. The application form is also available via Internet access on the Garda website – www.garda.ie. The scheme is advertised at appropriate times to ensure maximum exposure of the age card to those for whom it is intended. Liaison is ongoing with other statutory agencies, the drinks industry bodies and interest groups.

The total amount collected each year to date since the introduction of the national age card is outlined hereunder: 1999 –€25,502.69; 2000 –€89,751.44; 2001 –€190,746.40; 2002 –€237,600; 2003 up to 24 March –€73,206.

I recently outlined to the House in a reply on 12 March 2003 to a question from Deputy Broughan a number of issues which I am considering with a view to improving compliance with and enforcement of the law in relation to underage consumption of alcohol.

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