David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I welcome this Bill as an attempt to impact on a national cultural issue which is causing severe damage across our society. However, I would prefer it to be made part a coherent Government policy across a range of Departments. It is a start in that it restricts off-sale times, requires wine licences to be granted by the District Court, provides for structural separations, CCTV, fire and safety and theatre licensing and gives gardaí powers to seize containers. It also provides for test purchasing, which is controversial in that it could be seen as entrapment. The Bill imposes a two-day closure as a minimum penalty, increases fines and gives the Minister powers to bring in restrictions on advertising, reduced prices and special deals. Part 3 of the Bill deals with public order and alcohol abuse. Age cards are an important provision in this regard.

The Bill appears to address two areas, namely, under age drinking and the abuse of alcohol by those over the age of 18. Under age drinking is an important issue. Last night, I received a letter from a constituent informing me about young people who were congregating in an area behind his house to drink out of cans and bottles. They abuse alcohol and cause public disturbances but manage to outwit gardaí by leaving as soon as the latter arrive and returning 20 minutes later.

I note what young people have to say, however. The Ombudsman for Children recently launched a report in this House which she described as a big ballot. She engaged with 74,000 young people across the country and found that they are looking for a safe place to visit. I call on the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to bring forward the provisions of the Youth Work Act 2001. Young people are calling for youth cafés in every town. They need places to socialise but in towns throughout Ireland they have nowhere to go until they are old enough for the pubs other than walking the streets or, often, drinking alcohol in the fields and bushes. We need to put a comprehensive youth service in place with trained workers who can engage with young people. The cost will be high but the overall savings will be huge.

This country is facing a health epidemic caused by alcohol abuse. Speakers on all sides of the House have noted the rampant abuse of alcohol in this country. That will have a serious impact on health in terms of liver problems and cancer.

Education in schools is important but I taught these issues for the best part of 20 years and am aware that the effect is limited because the audience is captive and takes little notice. We should consider the establishment of a proper youth service that would be integrated with health services, the justice system and the gardaí in every town and village. Trained youth workers could engage with young people and bring them off the streets and into youth centres. All they want is a safe place to sit and eat with their friends. We should provide an alcohol-free environment for young people. I do not know why that is not being provided. Many of the provisions of the 2001 Act have not yet been implemented. The Act was lauded when it was passed and the national youth development plan was introduced a couple of years later, but neither has been progressed.

The introduction of an age card is crucial. People working in off-licences and pubs should be over 21 because people under that age can come under strong pressures to serve alcohol to minors.

I call for the establishment of an office of alcohol control. The Office of Tobacco Control has been quite successful. An office of alcohol control could bring together all Departments and State agencies.

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