An attempt to identify underage drinkers through their PPS numbers was attacked as "ill-thought out" by human rights campaigners tonight.
They said the suggestion by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Mary Coughlan that the PPS number could be used to crack down on alcohol abuse indicated a move towards national identity cards.
Ms Coughlan revealed she would be exploring the possibility of using the PPS card, which contains information such as the age and address of citizens.
She told the annual conference of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) she would meet the Minister for Justice Mr McDowell to discuss her concerns about the damage alcohol was doing to society.
"The PPS number is being gradually extended to more Government departments in a bid to limit red tape and making the delivery of benefits to our citizens easier and more efficient.
"Bearing that mission function in mind I believe that considering extending the PPS number as a weapon in our armoury to help crack down on underage drinking worthy of exploration."
She said that if a reliable photo identity card was in place, only "miscreant" retailers could continue to sell alcohol to children.
"This is an area that requires careful consideration, safeguards for personal freedoms and against abuse and fraud," Ms Coughlan added.
"Yet the positives can be achieved and a significant step taken to ending the scourge of child alcohol abuse."
But Mr Liam Herrick, spokesman for the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, hit out at the suggestion.
"This goes very much against what the Government said at the launch of the PPS card last year.
"They said it would be totally confined to accessing public services.
"It also clearly suggests a move towards a national ID card, which the justice minister has said he is opposed to."
He added: "This is a very ill-thought out proposal which goes against government policy."
Recently the Data Protection Commissioner expressed concern at the abuse of the PPS number, which was formally launched last year.
Ms Coughlan also welcomed the call by the VFI for a ban on certain "shot" type drinks amid fears they encouraged binge drinking.
She said: "They not only encourage young people to drink but encourage them to mix drinks and drink in large quantities.
"Excess and extreme are the bywords for these drinks and I would join with your president in urging you not to stock these drinks and to also discourage and ban ... promotions of happy hours and cheap drinks."
The VFI urged its members to stop stocking drinks such as vodka shots and vodka slammers but said it did not have the power to make them illegal.
PA