Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
503 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of test purchases which have been undertaken by An Garda Síochána under section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 since the launch of the guidelines on 1 October 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/12]
View answerSection 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 makes provision for the test purchasing of alcohol products. The primary objective of the scheme, which entered into force on 1 October 2010, is to enable An Garda Síochána to target those licensed premises which are suspected of engaging in illegal sales of alcohol to young people. It also provides that the Minister for Justice and Law Reform shall issue guidelines in respect of the procedures to be followed with respect of the practical operation of the scheme following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Health and Children.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, up to 31 January, 2012, section 14 of the 2008 Act has been invoked on 265 occasions.
504 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects to make decisions regarding the commencement of section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 following his review of the voluntary code of practice for the display and sale of alcohol in supermarkets, convenience stores and similar mixed trading outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9280/12]
View answerThe position is that following examination of the submissions received in response to the consultation process, I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval for my proposals in relation to the display and sale of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets in the coming weeks.
505 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he plans to publish the sale of alcohol Bill; if he plans to take into consideration the recommendations of the national substance misuse steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9281/12]
View answerThe position is that the Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in mid 2012. I intend to have regard to recommendations of the Steering Group in relation to licensing law reform in the context of the drafting of the Bill.
