Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Minister of State said there is social acceptance of alcohol in Ireland. There is social acceptance of alcohol in France also but there is no social acceptance of its abuse; that is the difference. In what way does the Minister interact with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform? As we know, it is illegal to sell alcohol to minors, yet, as Deputy Catherine Byrne said, the use of alcohol among them is widespread. If we could prevent them buying or accessing alcohol, we would be able to address the problem in some way. Has the Minister of State had much interaction with her colleagues at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of this matter?

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