The Minister of State referred to the national drugs strategy which is of immense importance in most parts of the country, particularly large urban centres. In conjunction with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, the Minister of State will have to look more closely at the alcohol problem because every townland and town is affected. It is not too late to cry halt, but leadership is required from the Government. There will be cynics who will say that the taxes brought in by alcohol almost keep the country ticking over. That is a short-sighted financial analysis because the cost to the country in terms of work days lost, the hospitalisation of people and the economic and social suffering at family level is much greater than the taxes raised. As a society, we are serious net losers as a result of our alcohol culture and alcohol dependency.