Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I had a long-winded and pre-prepared speech but as so much has been said with which I agree, I will make a few brief points.

This is a huge problem of which we are all aware. As a result of public order offences in my home town of Sligo, I was the victim of unsolicited alcohol induced attack on no less than three occasions and was hospitalised twice. Perhaps more than many, I appreciate the problem is critical.