John Carty (Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Senator Ann Ormonde.

I welcome the Minister to the House to present this fine Bill. This is welcome legislation, particularly its provisions on public disorder and alcohol related harm, notably to young people. It is past time that action was taken to tackle drinking in public places, a practice in which underage young people engage and which causes considerable damage. Gardaí should have greater powers to intervene in such circumstances and should question young people found drinking in public places about the source of their alcohol. Parents have a major role to play in this regard and should not shirk their responsibilities. Many parents do not know where their children are at late hours.

Section 8 deals with the sale of alcohol from off-licences, supermarkets and petrol stations. From my discussions with the owners of such premises, I am aware that smaller stores operate a strict code on the sale of alcohol, especially to young people. The practice of salespersons handing over alcohol products affords them an opportunity to judge the age of the purchaser. The majority of those who sell alcohol operate in a responsible manner and want to abide by the law. Unfortunately, as in all businesses, a minority of retailers brings the sector into disrepute.

Greater emphasis should be placed on penalties for those who buy alcohol for underage persons. This practice causes distress and should be frowned upon. Those who engage in it should be fined heavily and named and shamed in the local press when they are prosecuted.

I welcome section 13 and the new section 37A which gives the Garda greater powers. Gardaí do a good job; for example, in my area they recently brought a young fellow who had been drinking home to his mother and father who were not impressed with his behaviour. It is good the Garda has the power to do this.

I compliment the Minister on meeting representatives of retailers some weeks ago and taking into account their concerns. I also compliment retailers on the responsible manner in which they have dealt with this legislation and the Minister. The provision requiring mixed traders to construct a structurally separate area for the display and sale of alcohol would place a major burden on small retailers as it could necessitate changes to building structures for which planning permission probably would be required. I understand that, having spoken to representatives of the retail sector, the Minister has assured them that this provision will not be implemented immediately.