Mr. Padraig Cribben:

On the lid levy, for those who might not be aware, about three years ago the LVA and ourselves made a joint proposal to the Department of Finance. We engaged Arthur Cox solicitors to tease out the legalities on European VAT and excise law in terms of a proposal to have a levy on alcohol sold unopened. It would have and could have generated approximately €240 million in revenue for the State. We have been told that despite having some of the best legal brains in the country the Attorney General is of the view that it might not stand up to European inspection. Sometimes one has to break eggs to make omelettes. They were eggs that were worth breaking and it was an omelette that was worth making. Our understanding right now is that the measure is not on the radar of the Department of Finance.

The home gathering has a lot of potential for 2016 and it is something we would significantly support.