Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I make that clear. I hope that by making it clear Deputy Mick Wallace and any other Deputy will make their positions utterly clear too. I am not of a mind to accept the amendments. If people are looking for a compromise, under Dáil procedure, it is not possible to pick and choose certain words from different amendments in the way that has been put to me in order that I might consider a certain aspect of one amendment and another aspect of another. Procedurally, that is not procedurally. I will have an opportunity in the Seanad next week and will be happy to reflect on how best we can incorporate the compromise about which Deputy Declan Breathnach speaks. However, I will not open a new scheme or arrangement or introduce a new off-licence regime, but if the House decides otherwise, I will be in its hands. As I said, I will not open in this manner a new licensing regime which will allow for the sale and distribution of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the premises. Two of the buildings or breweries of which we are speaking are in my constituency. I support them fully, having visited and sampled the product, both on and off the premises. I refer to Ballykilcavan Brewery in Stradbally and the Twelve Acres Brewery in Killeshin in south County Laois.

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