Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate on the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, complex legislation that is relevant to every community. Last night, I listened as Deputy Finian McGrath mentioned nearly every supermarket in Marino. While I will not do likewise in respect of Tallaght — that Deputy McHugh mentioned Tallaght in his contribution makes it easy for me to do so — Tallaght is no different than anywhere else in terms of this problem, a fact conveyed strongly during the debate.

I appreciate those in my constituency of Dublin South-West, particularly in Tallaght, who contacted me on this issue, including the local SuperValu and Centra supermarkets, as well as one of the theatre clubs in Dublin city, the Sin Theatre Bar. Such feedback is good. Like others, I have received much correspondence from and many representations by individuals.

We should compliment the current and previous Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputies Dermot Ahern and Brian Lenihan. The former has shown particular interest in the legislation and the latter signalled his intent in this respect. For some time, I have been impressed by the contribution made by the former Taoiseach and my fellow Dubliner, Deputy Bertie Ahern, to the debate. We all appreciate the contributions he has made — I received many e-mails concerning his recent article in the Irish Independent — and the issues he has raised.

We should remind ourselves that the Bill originated amid the desire to address what many viewed as the problem of under age and binge drinking. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, made a fair point, namely, young people are not the only people involved. We were all young once and everyone faced challenges. However, there are problems. With a few exceptions during my youth, I have tended to avoid drinking, but I am not a teetotaller. If this means I am leading a sad life, I apologise, but it has given me a perspective on the issue. People should be able to go out and enjoy themselves in bars or nightclubs or via purchasing alcohol at off-licences without causing problems. As politicians, we all know that, for many communities, it is an issue of young people in particular engaging in drinking and causing disruption after leaving pubs, nightclubs or local take-aways. These matters are being brought to the fore and require attention.

We all know of our communities' horror stories of crime and serious assaults. How often have we heard of murder cases in which alcohol has obviously played a considerable role? Everyone in society should be concerned about it. In terms of drinking, I am from a generation in which the John Wayne "The Quiet Man" image of Ireland was all the rage. It is our image abroad. While that is fair enough, we should try to correct the problem, which has recently become connected to crime and violence.

Deputy O'Mahony mentioned that one does not experience this abroad. I was impressed by his brave statement as a prominent GAA personality. I wish him well in that regard, at least until County Dublin meets County Mayo this year. He discussed advertising in the GAA, welcome comments given his status. The GAA must address those challenges.

Concerning below cost selling and selling in supermarkets, I have taken on board the issues brought to my attention by local supermarkets. A reasonable point was made, namely, one can go around many supermarkets and off-licences and discover that a can of beer is cheaper than a mineral can. Something must be wrong with the system. The Minister is correct to listen to concerns in this regard. While every Deputy looks forward to more substantive legislation to address the issue, signalling this clear problem to the Minister is pertinent to the Bill before the House.

A number of Deputies discussed underage drinking and IDs. While a national ID system is a sensitive issue and incurs calls from civil liberties groups, I routinely carry ID just in case I meet someone who does not know me while I am travelling around my constituency.

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