asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to introduce the provision contained in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 for the introduction of identity cards on a voluntary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

25.

asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a scheme in operation in Greystones, County Wicklow which involves the use of identification cards to curb under-age drinking in the town and which is being administered in consultation with the Garda Síochána; if he will undertake to introduce a similar scheme as provided for in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Priority Question No. 3 and Question No. 25 together.

The question of providing a national voluntary age card scheme for the purposes of the Licensing Acts, which I am empowered to do by regulations under section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988, is under consideration. However, before deciding on the precise nature of any age card regulations, I consider it desirable to observe the impact of the many other controls on under-age drinking in the Act. I am monitoring the situation closely.

I am aware of the identification card scheme being operated in Greystones. It seems to me to be a model which could be followed with benefit in other areas of the country. As such it has my full support.