Vol. 574 No. 1
459 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for application, subsequent processing and issuing of age ID cards; if he will consider the automatic issuing of same on the 18th birthday of each citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/03]
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 provide for a voluntary national age card scheme whereby any person who has attained 18 years of age may apply for an age card at his-her local Garda station, in order to confirm that they have attained the legal age for the purchase of intoxicating liquor.
The Deputy may also be aware that I commenced the remaining provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 on 29 September last. This Act, inter alia, obliges persons aged between 18 and 20 years to carry an age document if they wish to purchase alcohol or to be in the bar of licensed premises after 9 p.m. An “age document” is defined in section 15 of the Act as including a passport, an identity card issued by a member state of the European Union and a driving licence as well as the age cards.
The Garda age cards are issued by the community relations section in Harcourt Square. Application forms are available at all Garda stations, on the Garda website and in other premises that are frequented by the relevant age group of 18 years and over. The cost of the card is €6. I have no plans to arrange for the automatic issuing of the Garda age card to all citizens over 18 years of age.
