Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak on the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008. This is an important debate and it is right and proper that we examine alcohol and the sale of alcohol in a calm and measured way. Any State reaction is not the way forward. I am not in the blame game and we need to focus on how we can resolve the issue. Blaming shopkeepers and retailers is not the way forward.

I spent recent weeks meeting and listening to people and staff involved in the trade, which I found worthwhile. I met Gus O'Hara from Vernon Avenue in Clontarf, Lil Courtney from Fairview and Derek Moran, all of whom are involved in the trade. They put forward sensible solutions and constructive ideas. I lobbied the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I am delighted he listened to the common-sense ideas and the proposals included in the legislation. I commend him for this. He took the bull by the horns and listened. He has taken these ideas on board in the legislation. This is a common sense way to deal with the Bill.

When one examines the detail of the legislation one sees the key points regarding alcohol abuse. Community based retailers, for example Centra and Spar, strongly support many of the measures in the Bill. They fully understand the role we must play in the responsible sale of alcohol.

It is important that we reinforce the good points in the legislation. The positive aspects of the Bill are the curtailment of opening hours, the strengthening of temporary closure orders, an increase in fines, the introduction of test purchasing by the Garda Síochána and the introduction of CCTV. It is important that we realise many members of staff already implement these measures.

The areas of concern in the legislation and the wider debate include the proposal that in small stores where separation is not possible, alcohol products can be displayed and sold only from behind a counter. This will be extremely difficult to implement due to space and staff constraints. It will be costly and time-consuming for many small shopkeepers. Staffing the alcohol till will incur additional ongoing staffing costs. These issues have been raised with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it is important to recognise that he took these views on board and is dealing with the matter in the Bill.

These issues should be seriously examined which is why I welcome the positive aspects of the Minister's response. Let us examine good practice in other countries. Why do they not have binge drinking in France? This is an area we could examine closely. I have been in France many times and have met many teenagers on social occasions. Not one incident have I witnessed of binge drinking or alcohol abuse. We can learn from other countries and ask ourselves questions.

It is important to introduce health and education angles to the debate on alcohol. This is a public health issue. I welcome the fact that Dublin North Central counselling services have received €144,250 in extra funding during the past three or four days. I particularly welcome the funding for the Northside Counselling Service of €102,000, for Doras Buí of €38,000 and the other grants provided to Dublin North Central. These will enable groups to work with children and families through difficult and traumatic times.

I welcome the debate, as there are many positive aspects to the Bill.

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