Vol. 415 No. 3
24 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice when he intends introducing legislation to prohibit the consuming of alcohol in public places other than in properly licensed premises, having regard to (1) the nuisance being caused to the public, particularly in urban areas, and (2) the handicap the lack of appropriate legislation is proving to the Garda in dealing with this type of nuisance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 88 and 89 on 28 May last in which I indicated that I had been informed by the Garda authorities that the incidence of drinking in public places was not such as to give rise to serious concern and that I had no proposals to amend the law to prohibit drinking in public places as the existing laws on public order were considered adequate to deal effectively with any particular difficulties that might arise because of persons drinking to excess. That remains the position.
I would add that prior to the introduction of the 1988 Intoxicating Liquor Act, problems were experienced with regard to drinking by under-aged persons in public places. The Act contains new and quite specific provisions to deal with that matter and I understand from the Garda authorities that those measures are having a beneficial effect.
In so far as the question may relate to drinking and associated problems in public parks, I would direct the Deputy's attention to the reply by the Minister for the Environment on 23 October 1991 last outlining a specific provision in the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990, increasing penalties for public health nuisances and breaches of bye-laws made by local authorities.
