Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. I also wish to welcome the presentations. If I were cynical I might think that this debate was about Diageo rather than anything else. Let us think about this matter from an agricultural perspective. I congratulate Ms Byrne on her initiative. I know from having limited experience of a distillery that has been set up in my home town of Drumshambo, County Leitrim, that there is a long lead-in time. The development is a great vote of confidence in the Irish drinks industry, the export market and her ability to expand same. I wish her well in that regard.

With regard the agricultural point of view, I wish to take up a point made by Deputy Heydon about the industry requiring 50,000 apples. Where are the apples grown? Are they all grown in Ireland? Are they imported? Are they all Irish apples? Are they southern Irish apples? I would prefer that they came from the island of Ireland rather than outside the area. I am curious to learn that information. From an economic point of view and on the subject of taxation, apples grown in the Republic of Ireland will yield money for the Exchequer but apples grown outside the jurisdiction will not. That is the only reason that I made the distinction. I am curious to know where the 50,000 apples come from and whether they are imported into the State. Similarly, for the 200,000 tonnes of barley and 300 million litres of milk. As Deputy Heydon asked, does that demand create a challenge? My question might best be answered by Mr. Masterson. Furthermore, has the increase in demand, plus the fact that 20 new distilleries are being set up and the expansion of Diageo and Irish distillers, put pressure on his group or contemporaries? Has the increased demand provided an opportunity for more farmers to engage in the growing of malt barley?

I come from the wetter and damper part of the country. Is malt barley better suited to a more pleasant climate? Is the growing of the product confined to the south east and south midlands?

In terms of a report published yesterday, my next question is on Mr. O'Brien's reference to three pints a month. Please correct the following if I am wrong. Yesterday, I listened to analysis of the report on radio which stated that the three pints referred to was three taken at the one time because the report referred to binge drinking. It was also said that three pints equates to 80% of a bottle of wine consumed at the one time, not over a month. That was the context of the three pints but perhaps I am wrong.

Reference was made to a plea for reduced taxation. At a time when the Irish tourism industry is expanding, increasing its numbers and therefore increasing employment, I find it hard to understand the argument put forward that taxation is a key component of an adverse impact on the tourism industry. Perhaps the delegation might square the circle in that regard.

My next questions concern drinking at home. Does it matter to the drinks industry where that drink is bought? Does it have a view on this? In the context of its proposition here to support the Irish pub, perhaps the representatives of the drinks industry should spend some time and money on promoting the pub culture in this country as part of the tourist attraction. That would be a better move rather than simply saying it is a good idea for people to drink in pubs. Apart from the weather, most people come to Ireland to visit its pubs. At the same time alcohol abuse seems to centre more on the non-pub consumption of alcohol because people drink at home having bought their alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences. Does the industry have a view on the matter? Or is it only concerned with its bottom line that results from increased consumption? Does it have a role to play in helping the tourism industry and promoting the Irish pub culture? The presentations centred on the tourism dimension and that is why I have asked these questions.

I do not wish to give the impression that I do not understand and appreciate that the drinks industry provides employment and makes a very valuable contribution to the Irish economy through its taxation measures. Also, I appreciate that people like Ms Byrne, and more like her, are expanding the export market which in turn will increase employment here. I do not in any way underestimate the contribution made by the drinks industry. However, I have often been of the view that sometimes the industry might act in a more practical manner, and perhaps more responsible manner, in terms of its presentations.