Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the public concern about the increasing availability of alcohol to minors through home deliveries; his views on the severe difficulties in enforcing the law in this regard; and if he will give consideration to banning such deliveries in order to help combat the abuse of alcohol among minors. [40561/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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It is already an offence under section 31(2) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended) for a licence holder to sell or deliver, or permit any other person to sell or deliver, intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission.

During discussions leading up to enactment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, I undertook to examine the need for any additional statutory provisions to prohibit third parties from purchasing and then delivering intoxicating liquor, including such deliveries to persons under the age of 18 years. I intend to address this matter in the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill.

I should add that new statutory provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 enable the Garda to confiscate intoxicating liquor found in the possession of minors in public places. It also enables the Garda to confiscate intoxicating liquor in the possession of persons over the age of 18 years of age in order to prevent public disorder or damage to property. I am confident that these provisions have strengthened the capacity of the Garda to deal with problems arising from the consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places.