Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

On a number of occasions in this House, we have discussed the issue of alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour. On foot of our doing so, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 was published in July 2008. One of its provisions was to ban below-cost selling of alcohol. Before the secondary legislation could be enacted, approval had to be obtained from the European Commission, which was forthcoming six or seven months subsequent to the passage of the primary legislation. That was over 18 months ago and it is two years since the primary legislation was passed. The Minister explained he was not going to bring forward the secondary legislation on the basis of his desire for a co-ordinated approach on both sides of the Border. He has had 18 months to achieve that. When will we see the secondary legislation and a ban on below-cost selling and advertising of alcohol? Advertisements are in our newspapers every day and alcohol is causing carnage in communities around the country.

See this speech in context