Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand the sale of alcohol Bill is due later this year. I accept the incident to which Deputy Upton referred highlights the sad position society is in when such violence can be wreaked on a street on what appear by all accounts to be two very reputable individuals who were model tenants in the properties in which they stayed in the Deputy's constituency. It is a sad occasion and I hope the Garda can continue to have some of the successes it is enjoying. These are very difficult circumstances and I extend sympathy to the families and neighbours of those who were so brutally attacked on the basis that they are in good standing in their community and are hard working people.

We do not have a date for the introduction of the health information Bill. Other legislation will offer Deputy Crawford opportunities to make his views known.

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