Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding alcohol that is confiscated by gardaí following new legislation enacted in 2008 to curb under age drinking and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42936/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 permits An Garda Síochána to seize any bottle or container which is in possession of a person who appears to be under the age of 18 and which the member suspects, with reasonable cause, contains alcohol which is being consumed, or intended to be consumed, by a person under 18 years in a place other than a private residence. It also permits An Garda Síochána to seize bottles or containers containing alcohol where there is a reasonable apprehension of public disorder or damage to property and require a person to leave the place concerned in a peaceable and orderly manner.

The Act provides that, where a member of An Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container containing alcohol, he or she shall dispose of the bottle or container in such manner considered appropriate and make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal. I am informed by the Garda authorities that where considered necessary arrangements are put in place with a waste management recycling company to destroy alcohol and recycle containers. This process takes place under the supervision of the Garda authorities.