Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

We spent considerable time in this House last year debating the intoxicating liquor Bill and I am extremely concerned that a number of its provisions are not being implemented. The Minister should come to the House to review that legislation and explain why certain pubs still have happy hours when this practice is outlawed by the Bill. The promotion of alcohol in pubs by giving free drinks to customers is also outlawed, but from speaking to young people I am aware that type of promotion is still taking place.

Another issue we should discuss is the drawing back on the late closing time of pubs on Thursday nights. This provision has only been applied in pubs in rural areas; one can still drink as much as one wants and as late as one wants in this city. Therefore, the Bill has been a sham. Why introduce legislation if we are not going to enforce it? The Minister needs to outline why he introduces these types of laws but will not enforce them.