Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the legal age for consuming alcohol from 18 to 21 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10174/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the Government Alcohol Advisory Group considered the possibility of increasing the age for purchasing alcohol, at least for certain categories of alcohol, beyond the current threshold of 18 years. However the Advisory Group decided not to make such a recommendation because 18 is the age of majority and the point in time at which young people acquire many rights and take on new responsibilities such as voting, marriage and the capacity to enter into contracts. In light of the Advisory Group's conclusions in this matter, I have no current plans for changes in this area of the law.