Mr. Peter O'Brien:

The only differentiation with regard to beer is in beverage alcohol volume. In other words, for lower strength beers there is a reduction in excise. That does not relate to production volume. To reiterate the point and as a representative of a large beer manufacturer, our craft beer is Smithwicks, with Smithwicks pale ale the latest innovation. Craft beers are growing and they have a significant role to play in pubs. Beer consumption is declining in Ireland and it is being beaten by wine in many cases. The more we can do to promote the micro-brewery business and get people back to appreciating and drinking beer, the more positive it will be in promoting Irish business.