Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It does. Clear consideration should be given to the question of IDs. People who do not look their ages go into off-licences and pubs. We should support the obligation to present a proper ID. The Minister is considering this matter, a nettle that has not always been grasped but should be now.

I will not criticise young people, as we were all young once. During my adult life, I have spent a great deal of time as a youth worker. I often mention that my last real job was with the National Youth Federation, for which reason I sympathise with those tackling these issues. I will not blame young people, but we should be responsible and I am not afraid to state that more control should be brought to bear on IDs.

Many supermarkets in my constituency and elsewhere are concerned by some aspects of the legislation. For example, they are confused by the temporary closure orders and the question of objections to the renewal of licences. Physical problems are, according to supermarkets, presented by the Bill's measures in respect of the structural separation of alcohol products from other products in mixed use trading premises. I hope the Minister will continue to examine this issue. In recent weeks, efforts have been made to consider certain issues that have been brought to his attention and he has made relevant announcements. As the Bill moves onto Committee Stage and amendments are tabled, much attention will be paid to those issues.

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