Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given everything that has been heard at this meeting, it is important that the joint committee should send a message expressing the hope that the use of alcohol over the weekend marking the St Patrick's Day festival will be moderate. Moreover, it is to be hoped the exploitation that has happened in the past in respect of Arthur's day and other events will not take place and the image of Ireland abroad and at home will not be one including a pint or a bottle of beer but should be about culture and music. I urge people to watch the video produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on what it means to be Irish. It provides a very good image of how we should be projected.