634. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied that licensing laws adequately prevent the sale of alcohol outside of the hours permitted by the vendor’s license, given the prevalence of online delivery apps being used to sell alcohol; if he is considering any changes to address the issue of alcohol being sold after legal closing hours on these platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28537/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: It is important to note, that, under existing legislation, it is a criminal offence to sell or supply alcohol to minors. The same restrictions apply where alcohol is purchased online.

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 seven 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.

The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws. This commitment will be progressed in due course. All submissions will be considered as part of that process.