Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister and the Bill. We are again discussing drink, an issue we have discussed on countless occasions in the past two years. When I was a child, the famous statue of Fr. Matthew was just two miles from my house in County Tipperary. I was often told of the evils of drink when passing the statue. I was told Fr. Matthew was heading for perhaps Cashel or Dublin and was pointing in a direction away from Tipperary.

At a time when volunteerism is at an all-time low and when attempts are being made to organise alcohol-free teenage discos, it is disturbing the Minister must introduce emergency legislation to ensure that such events continue. I am particularly alarmed that after centuries of drink consumption in Ireland, the Minister and legal experts are discussing the definition of a bar, and whether it is something one leans on or something over which drink is sold for consumption. Where are we going when debate on drink reaches this point?

I recently read to my children some of the recommendations contained in the report of the task force on alcohol. The task force suggested that some 50% to 60% of 16 to 18 year olds were consuming large quantities of drink and believed that binge drinking was consuming over six pints. Young people are told that two to three pints is enough for anybody but drinking from six to 12 pints is the norm. The health implications for such drinkers and the cost implications for the Exchequer are serious. The former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, introduced the smoking ban to try to save lives and save health service costs. However, we will incur significant costs caused by liver failure and other diseases because of the quantity of drink being consumed. I do not know where it will end.

I spoke to the Minister over the summer, as did other colleagues, in regard to the 9 p.m. limit for children on licensed premises. I am delighted the Minister followed up on his commitment to revisit this subject as soon as he could in the new term. He did so last week in accepting the amendment in the other House. The parents most affected by the 9 p.m. rule were those who had their children with them, whether on holidays or otherwise, and not parents from dysfunctional families who do not know where their children are. I am open as to whether 10 p.m. is the correct cut-off time and perhaps 11 p.m. might be considered. However, while we may revisit the issue again, it is certain that 9 p.m. was too early in the summer months, especially given the importance of tourism and given that one has the option of flying abroad, whether with Ryanair or Aer Lingus, where one could sit at a cafe bar all night. The time limit needed to be changed and I am delighted the Minister has done so. I commend the Bill to the House.