James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

We have a very different attitude to drink from other European countries and it is an attitude that is leaving carnage and human misery in its wake. Alcohol has been a driving force in the rise of crime, anti-social behaviour and road fatalities for far too long. It needs to be addressed urgently and citizens must take responsibility. We should encourage them to do so, as should sporting organisations and schools because everybody has a part to play.

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