Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I also welcome the Bill. On a personal note, I am always amused when the subject of changing the culture of drink arises during discussions with friends. We had a heated discussion last night on the subject in a restaurant. If someone is forced to call the emergency services as a result of drinking too much, perhaps being twice or three times over the legal limit, they should be fined. Perhaps the Minister might discuss this with the Minister for Health and Children as such a proposal would overlap with his Department. It is an issue that could be looked at. If people received a bill in the post for a few hundred euro, on top of a hangover, it might sober them up and make them think twice. The emergency services are needed for genuine emergencies. Someone getting deliberately drunk after spending €80 on alcohol should be able to afford the same sum as a fee to contribute to the administrative cost of the emergency services. I make no apology for this as it would get straight to the nub of the problem. While this is a personal opinion, it would be worth looking at.