David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I spoke earlier about two issues: under age drinking and the abuse of alcohol by people over 18 years of age. The alcohol advisory group has proposed many recommendations. It asks for an overall government policy, which I support. Perhaps during the summer the Government and all Departments might produce such a policy before the next legislation is presented.

I encourage the imposition of a levy on bottles and cans to encourage recycling. This would be useful. I agree with outlawing the sale of alcohol at cut prices and as a loss leader. The association between alcohol and sport must be broken, especially in the advertising sector. I call on sports bodies to take a responsible view on the matter. The culture begins when people under the age of 18 years are brought into pavilions, bars and clubs for the cup to be filled. We need to step back from this. In my area some clubs have gone to restaurants rather than bars, which I applaud. I encourage more clubs and associations to do likewise.

We must examine the matter of non-alcoholic beers and try to encourage a pricing structure which would make them more attractive. The same applies to soft drinks which are very expensive too.

We need to see a greater presence of gardaí on the streets to combat public disorder. Staggered closing times for pubs must be explored and encouraged. The alcohol advisory group has done much work in this regard.

I am concerned that many young people have no place in which to socialise. They go to shopping centres but are hunted away. We need youth cafés, youth centres and a proper youth service. I taught for many years in a second level school and know that schools can only do so much. There may be programmes in schools, but they only go so far. We need to have professional youth services available.

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