Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join others in thanking Deputy Kelly for his initiative in bringing forward the Bill. There is a wide level of agreement in the House today. Unlike other Bills which have come before the House and have been agreed, but have then gone into the equivalent of a legislative deep-freeze, I ask that Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, use his good offices to ensure that this legislation is passed. It is a fairly simple Bill and there has been a very good debate on its provisions.

The proposal is welcomed by those involved in microbreweries and microdistilleries, but also among the general public. Many people in Ireland are very used to seeing advertisements when they holiday abroad promoting visits to vineyards and wine estates. In parts of eastern Europe and Germany tours of breweries are part of the tourism offer. It is important to recognise that, given the development of microbrewing and distilling, there is a significant additional offering for tourists on wet or nice days in Ireland. Unfortunately, from a tourism point of view we have our wet days. Breweries and distilleries are interesting places to visit, and people can learn about local history including agriculture and production. The Guinness Storehouse is very popular and refers to the history of brewing. I understand it is probably the number one visitor attraction Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way has captured the imagination of European and American tourists. A complimentary number of microbreweries taking advantage of that tourism exposure would be very positive.

I associate many people involved in craft brewing as being of the hipster generation, particularly the men involved. It is interesting to see younger people, especially men, taking a significant interest in brewing beer. That can lead to others becoming involved in craft brewing.

Many speakers referred to rural areas. Given that all of our large cities have very long brewing and distilling traditions, the sectors have taken off in Dublin and other cities, especially those which have a significant tourism industry. I hope that following the development of the craft brewing sector some of the crafts associated with the sector which have disappeared, such as coopers who make barrels, return.

I have visited quite a number of craft breweries and distilleries. A large amount of attention has gone into their design so that local or other visitors have a very pleasant experience. The Bill adds the legal capacity to serve people alcohol in that environment, which makes a lot of sense.

Distilleries, breweries and vineyards in other countries are not just about drinking. Rather, they often involve eating formally or informally. Such as visits are very much part of pleasant experiences for local people and visitors.

Given the kind of work that Bord Bia has done in recent times, there is a lot of scope for having a vibrant industry. A couple of years ago, some economic and business commentators began to wonder whether the sector had peaked. I do not think that is so. There is capacity to have a sustainable industry. An attractive tax package is in place, as stated by the Minister of State, which has been important in consolidating the development of the industry.

In terms of craft distilleries, I am delighted that a number of the most prominent distillers are women, including the craft distillery in Midleton. That example has been followed on the craft brewery side.

I ask that the Government not allow the Bill to gather dust on a shelf. It would be very helpful if it could be passed within a relatively short period. Anything that adds to the capacity of a vibrant indigenous business to create job satisfaction for those involved in the industry is positive.

There is significant investment in the sector. The Bill will help to give a stronger base to the sector, given that it will be possible to serve product on premises within designated times. That will make it easier for promoters to access appropriate finance.

5 o’clock

Craft beers tend to be slightly more expensive than the traditional mass produced beers and, in a certain sense, that is what has partly led to the link with the preparation of fine foods. In Stoneybatter in Dublin, for instance, for a long number of years we have had Mulligan's, which was a standard sawdust pub. Nowadays it is largely a restaurant that specialises in serving craft beers and one that I am happy to say seems to be extremely popular. This example has been replicated in pretty much every county in Ireland. When we think of counties such as Carlow, which has many fine tourism attractions, something such as craft brewing and distilling adds an extra dimension.

I congratulate Deputy Alan Kelly again for introducing the Bill and note that what is contained in it is carefully crafted. The 6 p.m. deadline ensures that everything will be run properly. It also means that these will not become large event areas and that the type of growth provided for will be consistent with the way the industry, which is smaller in scale, has developed. Pearse Lyons and Deirdre Lyons, who have been so involved in Alltech, are much associated in terms of their origin with Dublin city centre. Their efforts in terms of restoring the old church on James's Street and promoting a wider knowledge - going back a few years - in terms of craft brewing competitions and so on have been extremely helpful. It is to be hoped that all this craft brewing will also help farmers in terms of demand for their grains. On behalf of the Labour Party, I thank the Minister of State and everyone else who has contributed to the positive tone of today's debate. We look forward to returning shortly on Committee Stage and to seeing the Bill enacted.

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