193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to public concerns regarding the consumption of alcohol in the stands of certain sports stadia; the policy in this regard; his views on the appropriateness of this practice, especially in respect of the presence of children at such sporting events; if this practice contravenes current licensing laws prohibiting the presence of children on licensed premises after 9 p.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  [4220/15]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): I can confirm that a representation has been received on this matter.

The Deputy will be aware that the issuing of licences for the sale and consumption of alcohol products in designated national sporting arenas is governed by Section 21 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2003.

Section 21 of that Act authorises the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to designate an arena or stadium as a designated National Sporting Arena. The Act provides that the Minister may issue a certificate approving of the issue of a licence by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of the arena.  Regulations made by the Minister identify particular areas in the arena within which alcohol products may be sold and consumed.

I understand that the Deputy was recently informed by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality that section 34 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, as amended, makes it an offence for a licensee to permit a person under the age of 18 years to be in the bar of a licensed premises after 9 p.m. (or 10 p.m. from May to September). However, the Minister for Justice and Equality also advised the Deputy that section 34 applies to bars of licensed premises only and does not apply to premises in which the sale and consumption of alcohol is ancillary to other activity, such as restaurants, theatres or designated national sporting arenas.  Nonetheless I will raise the concerns referred to by the Deputy with the operators of the arenas in question.