Vol. 508 No. 1
734 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the problem of anti-social activity and underage drinking in public parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17260/99]
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, deals with situations where public drinking leads to disorderly behaviour. Under that Act, it is an offence for any person, regardless of age, to be present in a public place while intoxicated to such an extent as would give rise to a reasonable apprehension that he or she might be a danger either to himself or herself or to any other person in the vicinity. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable to be fined up to £100. In addition, the Act gives power to a Garda to confiscate alcohol where he or she suspects with reasonable cause that a disorderly conduct offence is being committed and also empowers a Garda to "move on" persons who are intoxicated in a public place. I understand that it is also open to local authorities to use their by-law making powers under the Local Government Act, 1994, to control the consumption of alcohol in public places.
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of underage drinking is 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, or to be in possession of it or to consume it other than in a private residence.
I also made arrangements, earlier this year, to introduce a voluntary, national age card scheme which will greatly strengthen the existing measures aimed at curbing the sale of alcohol to persons under 18 years of age. Any person who has attained 18 years of age is entitled to apply for an age card at his or her local Garda station. The introduction of the scheme will make a significant contribution to the continuing fight against underage drinking.
