Mary Henry (Independent)

I wish to share my time with Senator Quinn, two minutes for me and the rest for him.

I welcome the Minister to the House. Some Senators said this Bill would not be before the House today if common sense had been applied to the main piece of legislation. However, since the clarification was sought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is a constituent of mine, I do not believe I will get involved in that debate. Votes are hard got sometimes.

The purpose of the Bill is to clarify the situation and we have to reinforce the efforts being made to run alcohol-free discos. This is of major importance. I come at it in particular from the viewpoint of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency's report and the sexual assault unit in the Rotunda. Both have said that in teenagers, excess alcohol is an extremely important factor as regards sexual assault and unplanned pregnancies. I welcome anything that is being done to assist people in organising these types of events.

Like other Senators I am somewhat concerned about the increase in the hours during which children are allowed into pubs. I hope it is not the thin end of the wedge. When the original legislation was going through the House, I was not the only Member who said that pubs were unsuitable places for small children late at night. I would hate to see that happening again. I see the Leader nodding and I would add that it is distressing to see little children crying frequently in pubs late at night. It cannot be great for those who want to drink in peace either.

Other Senators made the point about the cost of soft drinks. This is extremely important and I hope the Minister will urge the Director of Consumer Affairs to keep a close eye on it. Perhaps the Minister would indicate also at the end of the debate whether tap water has to be available at these venues. The reason I ask is that about ten or 12 years ago a problem arose when some nightclub and disco venues turned off the tap water, even in the hand basins of lavatories. This pushed up sales of drink and it was truly dreadful. The environmental health officers were in dispute with the Department of Health at the time, so this carry-on continued for about six months. I would like to know if tap water has to be available in these venues free of charge or not.

If possible, people should be encouraged to sell bottled water at a cheaper price than sweet sugary drinks which contribute to the problems of obesity. These are matters which the Director of Consumer Affairs must take up. I would like the Minister to liaise with her office about this matter.