Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support the concerns expressed by a number of Senators about the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform's proposal to close two prisons and other reforms. It is urgent that he comes to the Seanad to outline his proposals and the knock-on effect they will have. It is not long since we had the revolving door system in the prisons, which was abhorred by many people. An additional prison had to be opened to deal with it. Now there is a proposal from the Minister to close two prisons. The Minister must come to the House to discuss it.

The other issue I wish to raise is the promotion of alcoholic drinks, a matter we have discussed many times. Indeed, legislation was introduced to deal with this. Drinks companies are still promoting their drinks in pubs by giving them to patrons free of charge. That practice is outlawed under the legislation. My son, after playing football last Saturday, came home to tell me that he was going to the local pub, where Guinness was giving out free drink. He is over age but he is still a student. It is wrong that these companies are encouraging young people, after participating in their sports, to go to the local pub where they will be given free drink. The Minister needs to crack down on this practice. He must know it is happening.