Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Will the Minister allow the House read the legal advice? There is a general perception among the public that a close association exists between Members of this House and the publicans' lobby and this point is often made regarding members of the Minister's party. A number of Members of this House are publicans. The longer it takes for any action at Government level, the more cynical the public become and the more they believe there is a vested interest and the political will to do anything about it is absent.

The Minister seems to be kicking to touch again today. I have asked him a straight question. The joint committee will consider this issue next week. I ask the Minister to provide the House with the legal advice in order to help the debate. If the Minister kicks to touch it is difficult to blame people for being sceptical about whether the Government has the political will to tackle this serious social problem. I implore the Minister to give favourable consideration to my request and to produce the legal advice in time for the committee meeting tomorrow week.

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