Dáil debates

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage

 

I will not dwell on Part 4, but I welcome it. Part 5 deals with intoxicating liquor and the culture of drink in the country. The report published today by the Health Research Board brought this into sharp focus. It shows an increase in the number of alcohol related deaths. While many people in the drinks industry are very responsible, a few will buck the trend and use the opportunity to make a fast buck. They are less than responsible in how they market their products. The Intoxicating Liquor Act introduced penalties for those who sell alcohol to underage people as well as other progressive measure. However, enforcement remains the issue. One only has to sit outside certain supermarkets or off licences in the community on a Friday, Saturday or on any night to see the evidence of the failure of enforcement. That is no fault of the Garda Síochána because its resources are stretched. An issue that must be addressed is how we enforce the legislation that is passed through the House.

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