Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Minister of State has misinterpreted my remarks. Section 8A does not relate to underage persons. Section 19 8A(1)(a) states, "...a person is in a relevant place alone or accompanied by other persons..." which appears to apply to any person about whom a garda has a concern because such a person holds alcohol in a bottle or container and is causing annoyance or a nuisance to other persons. Senator Alex White made the point already that we need to ensure the Minister of State addresses the questions raised.