Vol. 406 No. 1
10 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if the national survey carried out by Combined Action into the problems of underage drinking has been brought to his attention; if he will outline his views on the findings of this survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the number of prosecutions of juvenile offenders under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 for (a) 1989 and (b) 1990; his views on whether the number of prosecutions of juvenile offenders bears a reasonable relationship to the actual levels of abuse for the two years in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 28 together.
I have seen media reports of the survey on under-age drinking referred to in the first question. I am seeking a full report on the findings of the survey and it would be inappropriate for me to comment until I have had an opportunity to study the report.
With regard to prosecution of juvenile offenders under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, I am informed by the Garda authorities that records of prosecutions are not maintained in such a way as to permit immediate identification of those involving juvenile offenders. I have asked the gardaí to compile the relevant figures and I will make them available to the Deputy.
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of under-age drinking were included in the 1988 Act. In essence, the Act is designed to make it as difficult as possible for persons under 18 years of age to lawfully purchase alcohol, or to be in possession of it or to consume it other than in a private residence.
I am continuing to monitor carefully the operation of the controls contained in the Act. I am glad to say that there are some indications that the controls are having the desired effect and I shall continue to keep the matter under review.
As the Deputy will appreciate, legislation alone cannot be expected to solve the problem of under-age drinking. A broader approach, having regard to the social, cultural and economic factors involved, is required. Gardaí are playing a prominent role in organising local programmes to deal with the abuse of alcohol and other substances by young people and they are willing to help with such local initiatives wherever these are contemplated.
My colleague, the Minister for Health, has in a reply to a Question by Deputy Tom Kitt on 25 October 1990, set out details of programmes for the education of young people in regard to alcohol.
Is the Minister aware of the findings of the national survey which disclosed that the average age at which children begin drinking has fallen to twelve and a half years and that two-thirds of the pupils surveyed disclosed that they had never had any formal advice or education in relation to alcohol? Will the Minister explain why the regulations for the introduction of identity cards, as provided for under the 1988 Act, have not been made? Will he also inform the House why the order in relation to the sale of alcohol in supermarkets has not been brought into being, despite the fact that this Act went through in 1988?
This Act is major legislation which is in many ways the benchmark for legislation in this area. Section 40 gives the Minister power to make regulations providing for the issue of age cards. Two matters will greatly influence my decision on a national age card scheme. First, the extensive range of controls contained in the 1988 Act is being monitored to see how well they are working and early indications are that they are having an effect. A national age card scheme could only be justified if it could be shown that it would make an impact on the problem of under-age drinking. There is no evidence that it would add significantly to the effects of the curbs which were introduced in 1988. Because of the social and behavioural aspects of the problem, any legislative curbs can only have a limited effect. Second, because the problem is primarily one for society to tackle, albeit with as much help as the Government and agencies can offer, I am monitoring the situation. In relation to identity cards, there has been tremendous interest shown in several parts of the country. There are some very successful examples — in Greystones, for instance — of communities running their own local identity card schemes. I believe that is the way forward. I will admit a personal reluctance to introduce a scheme whereby every young person would have to carry an ID card, such a scheme being operated by the Garda on behalf of the State. I am very reluctant to move on this matter. Regarding the whole question of under-age drinking, it is a major social problem which affects families. In some cases parents drink to excess and allow their children to do so.
This is Question Time.
The whole question of moderation, self-control and abstinence is an important part of alcohol education programmes. This is not just about legislation. Regarding the implementation of that section of the Act dealing with the sale of alcohol within supermarkets, there has been considerable discussion between the trade and my Department. The Deputy will be aware of concern expressed by the trade at the coming into force of the Act. This concern has increased ever since. I am conscious of the need for implementation but I want to bring in something which is sensible, reasonable and workable.
I am very surprised at the Minister's reply. It is over three years since the Act was brought into being. He says he has a hang-up about people carrying identity cards. I would ask him whether it is worse to carry an alcohol problem or an identity card. The Act provides for the issue of identity cards from his Department on a voluntary basis. In view of the fact that the Minister did not get a chance to study this survey, I will tell him that 50 per cent of 15 year old girls abuse alcohol, while 50 per cent of 15 year old boys admitted that they took their first drink to get drunk. It is extraordinary that the Minister should say that the provisions of the 1988 Act are working when the survey clearly shows that alcohol abuse among young people is on the increase. Will the Minister make the regulations provided for in the 1988 Act for the issue of voluntary ID cards and also arrange for the introduction of some sort of educational programme, particularly in our schools, relating to the abuse of alcohol?
There is already in operation a programme of Garda visits to schools which is being extended throughout the country. There is a full-time juvenile liaison service within the Garda Síochána co-ordinating the national effort and working very well. I am slightly taken aback by the extreme language used by the Deputy who seems to suggest that the carrying of ID cards alone will prevent the problem of alcoholism.
I did not say that.
I am very much in favour of the issue of cards on a co-ordinated voluntary basis involving the local community. I have been trying to encourage such schemes around the country. It is interesting to note that the survey to which the Deputy refers also shows that the young people involved took their first drinks either in the presence of their parents or in their own homes without the permission or knowledge of their parents. No ID scheme will stop that problem. I share the Deputy's deep concern about the abuse of alcohol by young people but society as a whole has a responsibility, as well as legislators. I reiterate that I have strong personal reservations about the idea of every young person being forced to have an ID card.
It is to be on a voluntary basis.
I wish I could entertain the Deputy but I cannot. Standing Orders are against him.
