Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have a couple of general points to raise. I understand the desire of the drinks industry not to be the subject of further tax increases. However, I am confused to hear that the consumption of alcohol is down by 20% in less than ten years. I refer to a recent report which said the very opposite by stating that in the period 1970 to 1990, there was a doubling of alcohol consumption and that 50% of the population abstained from alcohol. Now, only 15%, if even that, abstain from alcohol.