Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to amend the laws in relation to underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27541/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Legislation Programme published on 25 September provides for publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill in 2008. This Bill will modernise and streamline the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated provisions more suited to modern conditions.

The proposed Bill will contain reforms which are designed to strengthen existing provisions to combat under-age consumption of alcohol. These include a new requirement for all off-licences to have written policies and control procedures in place; a new offence of being in possession of a forged or altered Garda age card with intent to deceive; a new provision whereby a member of the Gardaí may request the name and address of any person suspected of committing, or of having committed, such an offence; failure to give such details will be an offence; and a new provision permitting a member of the Gardai to arrest without warrant a person who refuses to supply his or her name and address or gives a name and address which such member has reason to believe to be false or misleading.