I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dublin South-West area comprises the sub-districts of Tallaght, Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Lucan and Leixlip. I am further informed that there have been 360 individual visits to licensed premises in the Dublin South-West area since January 2002 and that of the prosecutions taken to date two have resulted in closure orders. I am also informed that there are seven cases currently pending in relation to the supply of intoxicating liquor by license holders to underage persons and that a further three cases are pending in relation to the supply of intoxicating liquor by non-licensed holders to underage persons. I understand that members of the Garda Síochána in the Dublin South-West area are proactive in relation to dealing with consumption of alcohol in a public place, and on-the-spot fines are issued daily.
The national age card scheme, introduced by statutory regulation, continues to reduce the possibility of underage persons successfully purchasing intoxicating liquor.