21-Age Limit For Spirits' Drinkers Proposed

A Fine Gael TD has called for the legal drinking age for spirits to be moved up to 21.

Speaking on the General Practitioners Bill this week in the Dáil, Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Dara Murphy, asked the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, to consider raising the legal age for the purchase of alcoholic spirits because of its "damaging effects".

TD Murphy said that alcohol abuse is impacting severely on the "health and wealth" of the Irish people and that it is time to consider increased regulation to deal with the "damaging effects it is having".

“I have long held the view that we should increase the permitted age for the consumption of alcoholic spirits in this country to 21 years of age with the situation for beer and wine remaining as is," Mr Murphy said. “There are significant social costs from the misuse and abuse of alcohol and our drinking culture has changed significantly in recent times to a point where beverages with high alcoholic content are consumed in large quantities."

He added: “While the American model of prohibition of any alcohol consumption up to the age of 21 years I feel is going too far, there is a strong case for increased vigilance where spirits are concerned.

"I urge the Minister to examine the issue."

Mr Murphy said that although he understood alcohol abuse could not be totally eradicated in those under the age of 21, the Government could attempt to limit exposure to higher proof alcohol beverages in the interest of promoting awareness and limiting the damage of alcohol on young people.

(DW)