Dáil debates

Thursday, 5 July 2018

Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage

 

1:35 pm

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend Deputy Alan Kelly for bringing this Bill forward. I shall speak briefly on what is an excellent Bill. It is a great example, to an extent, of new politics and how parties can work together by bringing something small but significant to industry. We are aware that microbreweries are coming on in leaps and bounds. They are increasing in popularity, frequency and numbers. They fit into the wider trend of quality produce and food that is produced and consumed locally. It also feeds into the farmers' markets and artisan markets that sell the high quality food and drink products for which Ireland is developing a reputation. It feeds into our tourism strategy and local enjoyment. It goes hand in hand with our wider tourism offering such as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Royal Canal Way. On Monday I attended a launch of another stretch of the Royal Canal Way in Maynooth and there are hopes to develop such a scheme on the Grand Canal also. This all ties into the whole idea of using attractions to bring people into an area. People can walk, hike and cycle to the area and then stop for a beer and sample some local food at the end of their day and perhaps visit a microbrewery. It is all part of the same experience and it is a very positive trend.

Fianna Fáil supports the Bill and the amendments. Our former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, introduced measures favourable to the industry. When he was the Minister for Finance he started the microbrewery wave by introducing favourable tax treatment. By chance I recently spoke with a gentleman who had worked in the printing room at the Department of Finance. He was tasked with printing the budget each year. He was in the role for a number of decades and although different Ministers for Finance came and went, at each budget it was traditional that he would receive a small memento. It usually signified as an element of the budget. If the pensions were increased this man would get a little note, or card or a book to mark the budget. When the budget went through with the tax measure for microbreweries he was given a bottle of beer as a celebration of that Finance Bill, which turbo charged the microbrewery industry. I believe he has not opened it, so it is still fermenting in Kilcock where he lives. I thought this was very interesting.

The Bill is a positive measure. The microbrewery trend is growing rapidly. In my constituency we have Trouble Brewing in Kill and the Kildare Brewing Company at Lock 13 in Sallins, which has a greenway right outside its door. The whole offering at the Kildare Brewing Company at Lock 13 is designed to bring people in for a tour. They can cycle their bikes, park up and get some food. After they eat they can visit the brewery. They have a brewery tour in operation but they cannot yet sell the beer. I know they are looking forward with great excitement to this Bill being passed. We also have Rye River Brewing Company in Celbridge, Kelly's Mountain Brew in Clane and I am aware that the Dew Drop in Kill is also looking to develop its own microbrewery on site. It really is a trend that is taking off and developing rapidly.

I commend the Ceann Comhairle on the showcase of Irish food that was held in the restaurant last night. The Ceann Comhairle played a big part in organising it and it was an excellent evening. It was a great idea and a great initiative. Perhaps on the next occasion craft beer or wines will be in the spotlight. We might showcase those and give the industry a boost.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.