Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for the reply. We must admit that as a nation we have a problem with alcohol. We must introduce policies that send out a strong message that we accept our difficulties in terms of how we deal with alcohol and our pattern of drinking and binge drinking. The reduction in the age of people who regularly abuse alcohol is disturbing. I do not wish to be seen as a killjoy. I was a young lad too, but the bottom line is that we cannot ignore the issue any longer. If the Cabinet, as is indicated, has a difficulty with the area of sponsorship then let us have the debate at another time, but let us deal with minimum pricing and supply as a matter of urgency. At least that would send out a message that the Government, Parliament and people are willing to tackle alcohol consumption and its fallout in terms of mental health problems, suicide, anti-social behaviour and all that flows from it.

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