Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Henry's call for a debate on alcohol abuse, as I have supported her on this matter in the past. The issue of alcohol abuse periodically moves centre stage before disappearing from the radar screen. We have evidence to show that it lies at the root of most anti-social behaviour and crime, including murder, sexual assault and domestic violence. We all express shock and horror when we see the results of this problem, as it is appropriate to do, but we are not prepared to delve deeply into the issue to determine the direction in which society is moving.

A series of programmes entitled "Boozing Britain" is being shown on television. Perhaps Senators have seen it. It is unbelievable that the events portrayed on our screens should occur in a civilised society. These people fear neither God nor man. It is not something that is happening in the dark — the television cameras went into pubs and showed some of the most outrageous things one could possibly imagine. There are reasons we will not delve deeply into this matter.