Michael Fitzpatrick (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Bill as presented by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern. I also welcome the changes made by the Minister following extensive consultations. Ireland's place on the European alcohol league table is not something of which we should be proud. While the Bill does not address all our ills, it goes a long way to addressing the areas examined last January by the alcohol advisory group established by the Government. It is essential that we all sign up to this legislation and help to implement it in an effective manner.

I wish to raise a number of specific issues. I welcome the proposed penalties to deal with rogue traders, publicans and off-licences that sell alcohol to young people. Another problem referred to is that of people drinking at home and then going to the pub for the last hour. It is difficult for publicans to identify such people. This issue needs to be addressed.

I am glad the Minister has decided not to include in the Bill a proposal to separate or fence-off drinks and customers and that people will continue to be able to browse and make their own choices before purchasing. I hope the trade will, during the next year or so, introduce a voluntary code in this regard thus meaning the Minister will not have to make regulations in this area.

Excessive consumption of alcohol causes serious issues for families and accident and emergency departments. It results in anti-social behaviour generally and absenteeism, all at substantial cost to taxpayers. I see merit in the Minister providing in future legislation for manufacturers, vintners organisations, wholesalers and the trade to pay a levy into a fund which could be used to treat people affected by alcohol. This type of support by the trade would be equally as beneficial as its existing support for sporting organisations.

A need exists also to recognise the great work being done by various groups and organisations, many of them voluntary organisations, including Alcoholics Anonymous. I pay particular tribute to Sister Concilio at Chuain Mhuire, Athy, County Kildare for the work she is doing. A fund sponsored by the trade would provide badly needed funds to these organisations which must depend on the State and voluntary sector.

Young people should be educated about the dangers of excessive indulgence in alcohol. A module in the transition year programme for second level students and in the back to education and outreach programmes could be very helpful in this regard. Indeed this type of programme could be extended to the workplace and could result in a decrease in instances of alcohol related illnesses and absenteeism.

Licensees should be fully aware that their licences are a valuable commodity which must be respected. Publicans should carry out their business in an orderly and reasonable manner. They should recognise their responsibility to ensure they and their employees take all reasonable steps to ensure they are fully compliant with the legislation. These regulations must apply also to those who lease premises.

Local authorities have introduced by-laws in towns and villages preventing the consumption of alcohol in public places. These by-laws have played an important role in the prevention of anti-social behaviour. I welcome the new arrangement whereby applicants must apply to the District Court rather than the Revenue Commissioners for various licences. This will ensure more transparency in this area. The grounds on which an objection may be made to the granting of a District Court certificate for an off-licence are to be extended to include consideration of neighbourhood needs and the existing number of licences in the area.

Another issue which the Minister should examine and which is not dealt with in the Bill is that of pleasure boats with a full public house licence travelling back and forth daily on our waterways. Applicants for licences of this type should also go before the District Courts. I welcome the inclusion in the Bill of provisions regarding the introduction of CCTV in certain venues. A programme of spot-testing for this service would be helpful to ensure the equipment is in good working order. Similarly, the test purchasing of alcohol by gardaí is welcome, as is the fact that gardaí will have the power to seize bottles, cans and containers where there is reasonable apprehension of public disorder and to ask people to leave an area in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Nothing in this Bill has a detrimental effect on rural pubs, which is welcome. In rural areas the pub is not just a place to drink. There is no place like a good Irish pub and, dare I say, there is nothing like a good Kildare pub. The Bill will reduce the threat of public order offences arising from the over-consumption of intoxicating liquor. I welcome the introduction of identification cards, particularly those issued by Garda liaison officers, which have played a major part in preventing under age drinking and improving the quality of life of those affected by it.

I suggest that in future Bills we introduce regulations with regard to staff and security personnel who must deal with young people on licensed premises.

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