Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I hope it will be a discussion that does not confine itself to platitudes about how terrible alcohol abuse is. It is time for us to recognise mixed messages, such as talking down alcohol abuse but simultaneously taking no serious and adventurous measures against it. Such measures could include forcing people who make much money from the sale of alcohol to fund some of the public health costs resulting from alcohol abuse. According from the strategic task force, it costs €2.65 billion to deal with problems arising from alcohol abuse.

We must consider the advertising of alcohol on television and radio and perhaps it is time to phase that out. We must stop sending mixed messages and that process should begin in this House which has a good record in free-flowing and provocative debate on action to tackle our serious social ails. Alcohol should be a top priority and a debate on the issue should take place soon.