Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I hope that new measures being introduced in the Bill will see an end to this practice. Negotiations involving the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have led to the introduction of a code of practice. In that context, I hope the sales and marketing techniques used by suppliers and retailers will reflect the wishes of the Oireachtas and the Department sponsoring the Bill.

There is nothing wrong with off-licences closing at 10 p.m. I live in Clonskeagh, which is a couple of miles from the Houses of the Oireachtas. The off-licence there closes at 10 p.m. It might be a condition of the licence that this is the case. When travelling home from the Dáil, I do not see anyone queuing outside to buy alcohol at 9.55 p.m. The 10 p.m. closing time for off-licences will not greatly inconvenience anyone and I welcome its introduction.

On under age drinking, earlier today the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Wallace, launched new guidelines which will restrict the advertisement of alcohol on television. She stated that a process to identify areas in respect of alcohol advertising, promotions and sponsorships where further legislation would afford greater protection to young people will be put in place.

I would like to see an end to the link between sporting events and alcohol. By continuing to link high-profile sporting events with alcohol, we are sending out the wrong message. The reality is that alcohol consumption severely inhibits people's ability to compete. We must change our attitude to alcohol. Breaking the link between alcohol and sport would be a very positive step in the right direction. I urge all sporting organisations to seek sponsorship from business interests that are not involved in the alcohol industry. If they do so, they will be able to phase out sponsorship from alcohol companies. A number of larger sporting organisations have already commenced the process in this regard.

Alcohol consumption has increased at a staggering rate in the past ten years. We have gone from being a nation of normal drinkers to one of alcohol abusers. The effects of this on society are shocking and disturbing. We are suffering as a result of increased public disorder, higher rates of alcohol-fuelled violence and alcohol-related mental health problems. The Bill represents an important step in tackling this issue. It is time we reclaimed our towns and cities in order that people might walk the streets without falling over drunken individuals or being obliged to navigate their way through empty bottles, cans and the other things that are usually left over after a night's drinking.

I am delighted that action was taken in respect of this matter in Cork. The system there is not perfect but at least the by-laws are in place and are proving to be of assistance. The Bill before us is extremely important. I encourage local authorities in west Cork and other areas throughout the country which have responsibility for seaside resorts to introduce by-laws similar to those to which I refer.

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