Seanad debates
Friday, 4 July 2003
Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages.
As someone who worked with young people, I recall winning my first senior championship medal in Offaly in 1966 when we had a panel of 23 or 24 players, only two of whom took a drink. In 1989, I trained a minor team that won an All-Ireland and of 24 players, only two took a drink. A serious incident took place last year when we won an under-14 championship in our own town, where 11 of the under 14s took a drink. That is the change that has taken place in society and that is the reason the Minister has to take these serious steps. Publicans may regard them as serious but many parents will thank the Minister for doing what he has done.
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