Jim Higgins
Ceist:163 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he proposes to introduce to cope with the problem of under age drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6854/98]
Written Answers. - Under Age Drinking.
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of under age drinking are included in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. The primary purpose of those statutory controls is to make it as difficult as possible for persons under 18 years of age to lawfully purchase alcohol, to be in possession of it or to consume it other than in a private residence. With a view to making the existing controls on under age drinking even more effective, officials in my Department have been examining, at my request, matters relating to the introduction of a national voluntary age card scheme under the regulation-making provisions in section 40 of the 1988 Act.
Measures aimed at curbing the supply of alcohol to young people cannot on their own be expected to solve the underage drinking problem. Measures are also required which deal with the demand for alcohol among those under 18. The Garda plays a prominant role in this regard in participating in school programmes which deal with the abuse of alcohol by young persons. The Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children are also very involved in measures that address the demand side of the problem.