The Minister for Education said there is some merit in proposals from publicans to get parents to bring their teenagers to pubs in order to encourage responsible drinking.
Yesterday, the principal of St Joseph's Secondary School in Ballybunion, Co Kerry, John O'Donovan, backed the proposals from the Vintners Federation of Ireland.
Speaking in Dublin this morning, Minister Ruairi Quinn said the idea had some merit in avoiding the practice of drinking in public places.
"I think there is merit in it - every parent has to make that decision for themselves, but I think every parents' nightmare is … young people are going to go out getting spirits or getting beer and drinking at the back of the field, not under any supervision and not able to look after each other."
The Minister did not suggest the same for underage teens.
Publicans in Cork and Kerry are to take part in a pilot scheme this Christmas where parents will be encouraged to bring their 18- and 19-year-old children to the pub.
Source: Irish Examiner, 13/09/13
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