A review group in the Department of Justice is to report to the Minister by the end of the year on any defects which have come to light in the operation of the National ID Card Scheme.
The cards are issued to over-18s who are entitled to buy and drink alcohol and are designed to help publicans to comply with the law. Dozens of pubs have been closed temporarily following convictions under the 1999 regulations for serving under-age drinkers.
Mr O'Donoghue said he believed the scheme, coupled with the substantial changes provided in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000, is an effective deterrent. "However, I am keeping the scheme under continual review and in that context I have recently established a review group within my Department which, in consultation with the garda∅, will examine the operation of the scheme with a view to identifying any defects coming to light and, if necessary, make appropriate recommendations.
"If there are any loopholes in the present legislation they should be closed so that the garda∅ can continue to prosecute rogue publicans who still serve alcohol to under-age customers."