Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies who contributed to this Bill as it passed through the House. This Bill has had very lengthy consideration in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. I pay particular thanks to my officials who have worked so hard on this Bill over a sustained period of time. I thank Dr. Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, Clare Gordon, Denise Keogh and Siobhan McNamara for their dedication to this Bill.

It has been a very long journey to get to this point. I really want to thank them for the leadership they have shown in the Department of Health during the passage of the Bill.

This is the first time in the history of our State that we have endeavoured to use public health legislation to address issues in respect of alcohol. It is, therefore, a groundbreaking measure. For the very first time in our history, we are legislating for alcohol as it affects our health and it is right and proper that we do so. We know that we have a relationship with alcohol in this country that is not good, damages our health, harms our communities and harms many families. The measures in this Bill will make a real difference to changing the culture of drinking in Ireland over a period of time.

I acknowledge the many Members of this Oireachtas who worked to make it a reality. I congratulate and commend Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy for her great leadership on this issue.

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