Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 598: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been an increase or decrease in the number of public order offences as a result of the enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008; his views on reverting to a later closing time, or staggered closing times that would allow some establishments to close later than others and thus prevent large numbers of patrons leaving establishments at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48061/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 came into effect on 30 July, 2008. It introduced tougher public order provisions, allowing the Gardaí to seize alcohol from minors and to seize alcohol where they have a reasonable apprehension of public order or damage to property and require a person to leave the place concerned. Provision was also made to issue fixed charge notices for certain offences under 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, statistics for the third quarter of 2008 provided by the Central Statistics Office show a decrease of 2.9% during the quarter in public order and related offences. The statistics also show a decrease of 39.3% in liquor licensing offences for the same quarter, which reflects an increased level of compliance by licensees with the law in this area. 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.

Statutory provisions relating to the grant by the District Court of 'special exemption orders' which permit extended opening hours for special occasions in certain categories of licensed premises are set out in section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended by section 11 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 and section 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. While I am keeping the law in this area under review, I have no plans to amend current statutory provisions in respect of special exemption orders.