Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I am blue in the face from talking about the increase in alcohol consumption, what we should do, what parents and the community should do and what responsibility those outside this Chamber have. We can introduce all the legislation and do all the monitoring in the world. I regularly address 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds in schools on this serious problem. I welcome the debate but I fear for the future unless something can be decided on what action we can take. It is beyond us as it is a global issue. We should consider the matter in that context.

I compliment gardaí because they are out on the beat on Fridays and Saturdays at all hours of the night. We wake up on Sunday morning and see the place ruined with bottles, cans and various forms of drink. The retail outlets, such as garages, have a significant role to play in this. Society also has a role to play.

We need a bigger, societal, debate on this issue. The Celtic tiger has been very good for us economically but socially I worry about the future. I welcome the debate and I would like to hear all the views that would emerge as to how best we, as legislators, can work to improve the quality of life for the people in future. I worry about young people and the way they behave.

Senator Coffey referred to the environment and asked that the Minister be invited to discuss how the law is abused. He mentioned the EPA and the role of authorities where licensing is concerned, and how this is being breached regularly, especially in rural areas. I would welcome the Minister here for a full debate on the role of local authorities in administering their responsibilities in this regard.