Denis Foley
Ceist:323 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to introduce a nation-wide age identity card; and if she will support such a measure with legislation. [22076/96]
Written Answers. - Identity Cards.
Section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, empowers the Minister for Justice to make regulations providing for a national, voluntary, age card scheme as a means of helping to curb the supply of alcohol to persons under 18 years of age. I am satisfied that the most acceptable and effective way of complementing the comprehensive set of provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 aimed at curbing under-age drinking is through the continued development of voluntary local age card schemes.
I have no plans, therefore, to invoke legislation aimed at introducing a nation-wide age identity card at present. However, as the Select Committee on Legislation and Security is currently examining licensing laws in general, I will ask that committee to look into this matter. It was raised only recently on 16 November, 1996 at a meeting of mayors and lord mayors in Kilkenny.