Seanad debates
Thursday, 3 April 2003
Crime Levels: Statements.
With the exception of health, crime and justice are probably the most important public concerns. I recently read in The Mirror that 25 assaults took place here every night. I hope the report of the Liquor Licensing Commission will help us address our approach to alcohol, particularly binge drinking by young people. I understand it recommends that young people between the ages of 15 and 17 years should be barred from public houses. Does this include lounges and pool rooms which are often adjacent to the bar? Many young people with a few hours to spare after school head for pool rooms located in the confines of pubs. Desperate diseases require desperate remedies. We should be moving towards a system of mandatory identity cards as publicans find it hard to discern whether young people are above or below 18 years. I look forward to receiving the report to ascertain how many of its recommendations are incorporated in legislation.
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