Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the previous speaker. When a business opens it does not ram its offerings down one's throat. They offer tea, minerals or a drink. The opening of businesses is a one-time-only occasion. Licensed premises were referred to. Those premises are not taking money for the alcohol, but rather are giving drinks for free on opening days. In most parts of the country - it might be different where some Members live - one will be driving a car home so one will not be drinking. As has been said previously, there is a link between excessive drink and bad health. That is also the case for excessive sweets or processed foods, or excess of anything else. Excess does nobody any favours. We have almost gone beyond political correctness at this stage, considering some of the proposals put forward.

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