Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the incidents of nuisance behaviour associated with drink have reduced following the introduction of the new rules restricting access to alcohol, particularly access to off licence sales after 10.00 p.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33008/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 came into effect on 30 July, 2008. The Act introduced new prohibited hours for off-licences and new conditions for the issuing of off-licences and theatre licences. It also made theatre licences subject to the prohibited hours provisions for the sale and consumption of alcohol. Provision was also made to seize alcohol and to issue fixed charge notices for certain offences under to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a partnership approach is utilised by local Garda management with the various stakeholders in the licensing trade, including licensees, local authorities, fast-food outlets, public transport providers, including the taxi industry and MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society), as well as local community groups and schools so as to ensure a sensible and lawful approach to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol.

The reality is that in any criminal justice system it takes time for changes which are made in the law to have full effect in practice. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that preliminary indications are that there has already been a reduction in the number of assaults in the Dublin Metropolitan Region since the Act came into force, compared with the same periods in 2007 and 2006, and a reduction in the number of incidents of drunkenness throughout the country compared with the same period in 2007.

I am confident that the restrictions on the availability and visibility of alcohol provided for in the Act, along with the provisions for more effective enforcement to deal with the consequences of alcohol abuse in particular anti-social behaviour, will contribute to bringing about more responsible behaviour on the part of those concerned.