Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to make two points. I have made them before. I welcome the Minister of State's speech. I was interested in a point he made about the "proliferation of outlets and stores that sell alcohol". We know that, as he said, "supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations now sell alcohol". I agree with him entirely that "it is not unreasonable to link elevated levels of alcohol consumption by the Irish population" with this phenomenon.

I would like the Minister of State to examine something I have encountered on a number of occasions in Cork. I know it is happening around the country. When local communities, with the support of local gardaí, object to the provision of an off-licence, their objection might be upheld at local District Court level, but that decision is usually overturned at a higher court or by An Bord Pleanála. I agree with what has been said about examining the number of outlets. This issue was raised time and again during the years I spent as a member of a local authority. Many reports called for a reduction in the number of outlets. However, we are powerless to do that when the planning process gets under way. We need to consider this matter. I have direct experience of three operations. I take this issue very seriously. Over the summer, local gardaí went to court to object to a new outlet on the basis of the number of existing outlets in the local area and the level of anti-social behaviour they have to deal with, for example, by arresting minors for over-consumption of alcohol. If the gardaí who are dealing with this issue on the ground do not want an additional outlet in an area, we should take that seriously and help them with the job they are doing. It is fine to make provision in this area, but it needs to be translated into planning laws.

The National Off-Licence Association has proposed the mandatory training of all those who sell alcohol in off-licences. We know that publicans and those working with them are trained well in judging how much alcohol to sell and serve. I am sure many off-licences have a similar approach. It is important for those working in off-licences, including younger members of staff and those from other jurisdictions who might not be familiar with the impact of the sale of large volumes of alcohol, to have the confidence to ask for ID when dealing with young people. There are many factors to be considered. The National Off-Licence Association has made an important recommendation. I urge the Government to examine this simple idea and to take it up. Such a move would be welcomed by the association. It would go a long way to reduce irresponsible behaviour. If one sees persons of 18 or 20 years of age trying to buy a large volume of alcohol, one should ask what they are planning to do with it. I suggest that in many cases, they are intending to sell it on to under age drinkers. These two practical suggestions will go a long way in helping the Minister of State to do the job he has to do.