Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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578. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda age identity cares that were issued on an annual basis in the years 2010 to 2013, inclusive; if there was a drop in the number issued in 2013 and to outline the factors for this decrease; the long-term plan for Garda age identity cards in view of a card-style driving licence being issued by the Road Safety Authority in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1205/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Age Card is a voluntary proof of age card which may be issued to persons aged 18 years and over under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 2010. The purpose of the card is to verify a person's age in relation to the sale of alcohol and it may also be used in relation to the sale of tobacco as provided in section 45 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002. The card is not designed to function as an identity card for other purposes. Anyone aged 18 years and over may apply for an Age Card on-line at www.agecard.ie. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table contains the number of Garda Age Cards issued from 2010 to 2013. The figures show that there was an increase of 2,528 (5%) in the number of cards issued in 2013.

An Garda Síochána is the issuing authority in relation to Age Cards. I have received no request from the Garda authorities to amend the existing regulations and I am satisfied that the Age Card continues to serve its designated function.