Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his presentation. I have two questions. Are there plans for the regulation of the proximity of off-licences to schools, crèches, youth clubs and resource centres? I believe the current requirement is 100 m. I will cite an example of a school in Youghal. People can come out the front gate, walk across the zebra crossing and go straight through the door of an off-licence. This situation needs to be addressed.

Will the Minister consider raising the age for purchasing alcohol to 21 years in off-licences while leaving it at 18 years where people can drink responsibly in pubs? It is less likely that 21, 22 and 23 year olds will purchase alcohol for 16 and 17 year olds. This suggestion widens the age gap.