Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Alcohol abuse has a hugely negative impact on many aspects of Irish society. It is a very significant factor in our very high rates of mental illness and it also places a huge burden on our health service. It is two and a half years since the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was first published but the progress of that legislation has been painfully slow and very much dogged by the undue influence of various vested interests. Why is Fine Gael dragging its heels in respect of this much needed legislation? When will it be back before the House?

See this speech in context