Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Legislation such as this which has been scrutinised at a level unseen in a long time shows the interest of Members in the issue of the abuse of alcohol and its adverse effects. The Minister must be commended for tackling the matter in such an energetic way. The provisions of the Bill will have a significant impact on the problems we have been highlighting and which the Minister undertook to tackle in other debates. The Bill will encourage support for groups such as the No Name Club. We should encourage that effort among young people.

Although serious, the debate was conducted with good humour. Senator Terry said it was difficult at times to distinguish between Opposition and Government Members. The Minister indulged us in that regard. He showed he had a tremendous grasp of the detail of the Bill. His cogent and persuasive arguments in dealing with Members' concerns were impressive. I thank him for his interest and contribution in this regard.