Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

There are many aspects to this debate. I asked this question because I assumed the Department would be in discussion with the Competition Authority or one of its agents. I understand that the authority is independent.

The Minister may quote reports stating that the overall level of alcohol consumption has fallen but this is not the real issue. Certain people are influenced by advertisements for the bulk-buying of alcohol at below-cost price, which can encourage over indulgence and the abuse of alcohol. The issue is not the overall level of alcohol consumption but binge drinkers who cause problems at home, in families and on the street. There is much evidence to suggest that the abolition of the groceries order has facilitated the below-cost selling of alcohol. I understand that the groceries order was never meant to apply to alcohol but I was informed in a committee that the Minister was advised that this might be a byproduct of its abolition.

As I said two weeks ago, I believe this could be a case where common sense should take precedence over ideology. Perhaps the arrangements applying to alcohol, which allow big businesses to sell it cheaply, thereby encouraging its abuse through bulk buying, should be changed.

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