741. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied that the current regulatory framework governing online and app-based alcohol delivery services is adequate to prevent sales to minors; or if improvements are being considered in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63000/25]
742. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the enforcement that is in place to ensure age verification during home delivery of alcohol; if any data on non-compliance rates can be provided; if he is satisfied that the current regulatory framework governing online, and app-based alcohol delivery services is adequate to prevent sales to minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63001/25]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: I propose to take Questions Nos. 742 and 741 together.

Under existing legislation, where alcohol is purchased online, the same restrictions on the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor apply, including the restrictions in relation to hours of trading and the provisions in relation to the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor to young persons.

Data in relation to the non-compliance of alcohol delivery services is not held by my Department. Section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, as amended, makes provision for offences relating to the sale and delivery of alcohol products to persons under the age of 18 years. It is an offence under section 31(2) for a licensee to sell or deliver, or to permit any other person to sell or deliver, alcohol products to any person for consumption off his or her licensed premises 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.

On conviction for a first offence, a mandatory closure order of between two and seven days will be imposed by the court, together with a fine of up to €3,000. The penalties for a second or subsequent offence is a closure order of between 7 and 30 days and a fine of up to €5,000. In addition, the licence holder is required to continue to pay staff for the duration of the closure period.

Question No. 742 answered with Question No. 741.