Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will follow the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's direction and speak only to the amendment. Opposition amendments Nos. 4 and 5 from Deputy O'Reilly try to expand the definition of "sell" in the Bill to include "supply for the purpose of promoting the use of another service" and "supply in the purchase of another good or service". As Deputy O'Reilly knows, the Minister of the day already has the ability to address this matter under section 23 of the Bill. Section 23 gives the Minister for Health of the day the power to make regulations to address exactly the type of issues being targeted here. Under section 23, the Minister may make regulations to prohibit or restrict selling alcohol at a reduced price or giving it free of charge on the purchase of another product or service. I am not sure what product or service would be sold at a wake.

Regulations may prohibit or restrict the selling of alcohol at a reduced price for a limited period, defined as three days or less, and selling alcohol at a reduced price or giving it free in a manner likely to encourage the consumption of alcohol in a harmful way.

What Deputy O'Reilly is trying to do is extraordinarily sensible. She is trying to ensure that the use of alcohol as a promotional tool when trying to sell another event is restricted or prohibited. I am responding by saying that in my view her amendments are not necessary. The Minister of the day already has this power under section 23.

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