Professor Joe Barry:

Anything is feasible if there is the will to do it. Five years ago or so, the late Brian Lenihan, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, raised the issue of problems with the off-licence sector and a group was set up to examine it. One suggestion that came through from that process was that the age at which it is permissible to purchase alcohol from an off-licence should be increased to 21. Another suggestion that has been raised on several occasions but never attempted is traceability, whereby the name of the off-licence would be marked on its products. That has been done in New Zealand and has made a difference there. We are all aware of outlets in our own areas where it is easier to get served than it is in others. A traceability mechanism would identify where the cheap drink was bought. "Prime Time" conducted a test-purchasing trial some years ago in the Deputy's area which showed that sales of alcohol to underage drinkers was a widespread problem. The more off-licences there are, the greater the pressure to reduce prices. All of the evidence is that regulation which is enforceable, either by the Garda or, as is now being mooted, by environmental health officers, has an impact. We have seen that effect in regard to drink driving. As long as there is plentiful supply, there will be difficulties.