Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to double the penalties for all offences relating to the sale of alcohol to children, the purchase of alcohol for children and the breach of the restrictions on the presence of underage persons on licensed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, which I intend to bring before the Oireachtas shortly, provides for increases in fines for certain offences under the Licensing Acts, including the sale and supply of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 years. It will also provide that a minimum closure period of two days will apply in future in cases where a temporary closure order is imposed by the courts.

The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill later this year which will modernise and streamline all 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. I intend to review and update the penalties for all licensing law offences in the context of that Bill.