Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader consider arranging a debate on substance abuse, with particular emphasis on under-age drinking? Perhaps such a discussion could take place in the context of a motion that would allow for contributions from all sides, in the presence of the relevant Minister. I am calling for the debate following reports today in the media of comments made by Bishop Forristal about the confirmation pledge. I am sure many Senators are used to the pledge being given publicly, but the church has recently adopted what it calls a "silent pledge". I confess that I cannot understand the logic behind the change. As David Quinn wrote in today's Irish Independent, when the promise was made publicly, there was a greater emphasis on ensuring it was kept.

I am sure the Leader agrees we should commend the compassion of Fr. Micheál MacGréil and the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and encourage an initiative taken by the association. I confess that I was not aware of the existence of the special under-age pledge that has been introduced in schools, even though approximately 15,000 people between the ages of eight and 12 have taken it. That there is a need for people of such a young age to have a special pioneer pin is a sad reflection on our society. My speech is not intended in any way as an apologia for the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, of which I am a member. I know that many Senators on all sides of the House are involved in the organisation. Our society has reached a crisis point due to the prevalence of under-age drinking and the abuse of drugs, including alcohol.

I learned yesterday that one of the reasons many young Irish people are not applying for J1 visas to travel to the United States for the summer does not relate to economics. That they have decided not to go there because a law in that country ensures that one cannot purchase alcohol until one is 21 years of age is a sad reflection on Irish society. It is past time for a debate in the House on the matter. Such a debate would be valued and all sides of the House could contribute to it.