asked the Minister for Justice if he will initiate legislation to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquor, including corked and sealed vessels containing not less than one reputed pint, to persons under the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liquor Sales.
28.
The Intoxicating Liquor (General) Act, 1924, prohibits, in general, the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption "on" or "off" licensed premises to persons under the age of 18. One of the exceptions to this general prohibition is the sale or delivery of intoxicating liquor to a person over the age of 15 in a corked and sealed vessel containing not less than one reputed pint.
I have no evidence that this particular exception is a significant factor in the social problem of under-age drinking or that, if the exception were removed or modified, any young people who may now avail themselves of the provision could not easily find other ways of getting drink. If, however, real evidence that this provision creates a significant problem is supplied to me, I shall certainly consider the matter.
Is the Minister aware that there is a grave social evil arising from the easy access which people under the age of 18 years have to alcohol? Would the Minister consider introducing some type of identity card so that such people will not have access to alcohol in public places?
I am aware that the amount of under-age drinking is a matter of concern in various parts of the country, but as I said on previous occasions the community have the remedy in their own hands by bringing to the notice of the Garda information concerning those who are making these sales to under age people. This would be the most effective remedy. The question of identity cards has been raised from time to time and I have examined it in some detail and I have come to the conclusion that if these were to be feasible it would have to be for the general population over the legal age rather than for those under age. It would not be feasible to provide an identity card system for people under age.
Could the Minister say if, as applies in regard to the closing time regulation, the Garda ever visit publichouses with a view to challenging young people who are there as to their age?
They would not do it as a matter-of-course; but if an abuse were brought to their attention or if there were a complaint about a particular licensed premises where the abuse might be taking place, certainly the guards would visit it and investigate the complaint. But as a matter of routine they do not visit public houses during the day. They visit them for specific purposes to investigate specific complaints.
Do I take it that the guards will operate solely on specific complaints, that they do not use their own initiative at all?
The Deputy need not take that. What I said was that the guards, as a matter-of-course, do not visit public houses during the day. Normally, they will visit in response to a specific complaint. They may in particular areas and can, of course, inspect licensed premises at any time during the day and they do so.
What is there against visiting and challenging young people?
Possibly that could be done. I will convey the Deputy's suggestion to the commissioner.