Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I made my position and that of my party on the overall budgetary measures clear earlier. However, I very much welcome this proposal in the budget. I have seen first-hand the exodus of cars travelling through Louth on their way to Newry and I have heard stories from many of my neighbours and others in regard to the effect the cost of excise on alcohol is having on encouraging people to cross the Border. Alcohol is one of the main attractions incentivising people to cross the Border to shop.

I outlined an example here yesterday and I will not delay the House with the story. In short, three men in their 20s had trolleys, each of which contained about STG£500 worth of produce, and every single item was alcohol - there were no other products in their trolleys. This measure will go some way to combating the value of travelling such a distance for that purpose. I support the measure.

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