Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also find it amusing that the Minister would conflate the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill with the craft beer Bill. I understand the health Bill is seeking to tackle abuse of alcohol in the country. I can assure the Minister that the more craft beer we make and sell in competition with the big boys like Diageo, the more of a positive step it will be health-wise. Craft beer is much better for our health than the chemical beers made by the big brewers. Craft beer drinkers are consuming a much better product and consume a lot less of it because it is not possible to drink anything like the same quantities as there is far more substance to craft beer. From a health point of view, the Government should promote craft beer a lot more than is achieved by the measures we are discussing today.

On the issue of tourism and the idea that the tourists will be sorted by 6 p.m. in the brewery, would the Minister also suggest that they will be sorted in the supermarkets for take-out after 6 p.m.? Maybe we should stop the tourists buying alcohol in supermarkets after 6 p.m. and likewise tell them they need to get all their beer before 6 p.m. in the pubs. It seems an irrational argument.

I am not going to go to the space of the Minister's comment on the Judicial Appointments Bill. The Ceann Comhairle will be well able to look after himself on that matter. I am 100% certain he has right on his side.

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