Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004
200 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will streamline the application procedures for the Garda national identity card; the average waiting time at present for an applicant to receive their card; the advertising procedures that are in place at present to publicise the ID card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16064/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities that the application procedure for the national age card is governed by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 which are made under the provisions of section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 and provide for a voluntary national age card scheme. The national age card is not a Garda national identity card.
Applicants receive their national age card within four to five weeks of producing the correct documentation at their local Garda station. Delays can occur due to incorrectly completed or illegible application forms.
A number of initiatives are in place to advertise the national age card scheme. In addition to being available at Garda stations, application forms are also available at premises that are frequented by the relevant age group of 18 years and over, such as youth advisory centres, college students' unions and so forth. The application form is also available on the Garda Síochána website, www.garda.ie
Posters advertising the national age card scheme are clearly on display in all Garda stations and have been made available to all licensed and off-licensed premises as well as schools, colleges, clubs and youth groups. In addition, initiatives are organised by local gardaí who advertise age card use and availability to ensure exposure to the primary target group of persons aged between 18 years and 21 years. Some of these initiatives include advertising on local radio stations.
The Garda community relations section continues to liaise with other State agencies, the drinks industry and relevant interested groups.
