Pat Carey
Question:651 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has examined the feasibility of introducing a comprehensive national ID scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15269/03]
Written Answers. - National ID Scheme.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the introduction of a national identification card is a complex issue which would require in-depth debate on whether such a card is necessary or desirable, on what purposes it would be used for, on whether persons would be required to carry it or produce it and to whom and in what circumstances and whether its use or production would be mandatory and subject to penalties. Depending on the outcome of that debate, responsibility for such a measure could fall to any one of a number of Ministers.
However, I can inform the Deputy that while I have no plans for the introduction of a national identification card at this stage, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 (SI 4 of 1999) provides for a voluntary national age card scheme. Any person who has attained 18 years of age may apply for an age card at his or her local Garda station in order to confirm that he or she has attained the legal age for the purchase of intoxicating liquor. The regulations came into effect on 19 April 1999.
While the carrying of the age card is voluntary, the Government has approved the drafting of an Intoxicating Liquor Bill which will contain provisions designed to combat under age and excessive consumption of alcohol, including a requirement that persons under the age of 21, apart from those accompanied by a parent or guardian, must carry an evidence of age document in order to enter and remain in licensed premises. While the existing Garda age card remains a preferred option, a passport, an identity card issued by an EU member state or a driver's licence will also be acceptable. Provision will be made for prescribing other documents by means of regulations. If the PPS card issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs was altered to feature a photograph of the card holder, the use of such a card for the purpose of the intoxicating liquor law would be possible under the legislative proposals being drafted currently. This new obligation to produce an evidence of age document is intended to assist licensees in complying with provisions relating to underage consumption of alcohol and to assist gardaí in enforcing the law.