Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

If alcohol and cigarettes are not handled the right way for young people to see cause and effect, they act as gateways to other slippages. I am not a holy Joe. I am in favour of people enjoying themselves and celebrating but with alcohol there are no extra additions. We know it is alcohol. It is controlled in its production. There are no extra addictive ingredients added. It is bad luck if someone has a genetic predisposition to be alcoholic in the same way as someone who cannot take the sun but they at least know where they stand.

This is good legislation. It is pointing in the right direction. I am pleased to hear so many Members contribute so well and so relevantly to the support of the Bill.

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