Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I welcome the statement by Senator Jim Walsh. The absolute privilege we enjoy in this House allows us to express our strongly held opinions in a way that is not available to other citizens in this State. We should always be aware of the context in which we use that privilege.

I agree with Senator O'Toole that there is a need for a debate on the report of the alcohol advisory group. The Minister has stated he intends to introduce legislation on intoxicating liquor and public order but in advance of such a Bill being published, it would serve this House well to discuss the recommendations of the advisory group.

I believe long-awaited decisions on the gateways innovation fund are imminent. This fund is for the development of hubs of population centres outside the Dublin area and is especially important vis-À-vis the national spatial strategy. If we can anticipate the making of those decisions and schedule a debate on the national spatial strategy itself and the impact of the gateways innovation fund, public debate will be well served.