Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The main purpose of this Bill is to tackle alcohol misuse, underage drinking and the overall consumption of alcohol. I go to many functions where free drink is available. I attend many openings and many football matches. There is a thing called choice. I have been a pioneer for the past 40 years or so, but I do not have a problem with drink. I do not want to drink, but I do not have a problem if other people drink. People should not be pressurised to take alcohol. My wife would take the odd glass of wine. We have been married for 35 years, and I have seen her take perhaps ten glasses of wine in that period. She takes a glass, and she enjoys it. People have to take responsibility for their drinking. If a person goes to a function, drinks and drives home, I hope to God he or she will be stopped by An Garda Síochána and arrested. That is what should be done.

There is an idea out there that this is a blame game. Like everything else, people have to start standing up for themselves. I have heard this for years. I managed football teams and businesses. When someone is caught drinking and driving or taking too much drink there is always someone else to blame. I believe it is time we stood up to that. The main emphasis here is over-consumption, and my main concern is underage drinking. If functions are giving out free drink to people who are underage those responsible should be prosecuted. However, there is too much emphasis placed on blaming people. In Dundalk and in County Louth there are many distilleries. I love to visit distilleries. I do not drink but I love seeing how the drink is manufactured. It is fantastic. When I go to these distilleries for a tour the first thing I am offered is a cup of tea or a scone. They do not push drink into people.

We have to learn to say no, to take responsibility, and to stop blaming people. We have to take the responsibility ourselves.

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