Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Unfortunately, it is true in my experience that drink and drugs are involved in the vast majority of cases resulting in self-harm or suicide. Tragically, such cases are occurring in every parish and townland in the country. I know of a particular location where six cases arose in just a fortnight, which is a terrible burden for people to bear.

The issue of minimum pricing and other areas surrounding alcohol are matters for serious discussion at the Cabinet sub-committee. When it concludes its discussions the Government will make its collective decision and we can all debate it in the House. I listened to the points made about the urgency of this issue but it is also important to get it right. Somebody brought to my attention last week that on the morning after a recent celebration following examinations young people were wheeled out of ambulances on trolleys with their mothers walking alongside them as they went to have their stomachs pumped out. While we have issues of parental responsibility, these things should not happen in 2012.

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