John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with previous speakers on the issue of the pay talks. Senator O'Reilly probably put it best when he spoke about the issue raised by Mr. Begg and the spiralling level of incomes of some senior executives. This has a knock-on effect when it comes to politicians and Members of the Government. I am interested in hearing the views of the incoming Taoiseach on this issue. Previously I called on him to come to the House as Minister for Finance on a number of occasions to outline the position.

I am also interested in the incoming Taoiseach's view on the patronage of the Taoiseach after the previous general election, whereby he increased the numbers of Ministers of State and the number of committees of the Oireachtas. Does the incoming Taoiseach share the view that we need so many Ministers of State and Oireachtas committees? I do not think we do and many Members are of a similar view.

I echo the sentiments of Senator O'Toole with regard to alcohol policy and the announcements made yesterday. Senator Norris is correct in referring to price and advertising. I have long been an advocate of the banning of advertising. This would be a problem for many sporting organisations but it is a nettle we must grasp. Yesterday's announcement is an astounding reversal of what has been Government policy for ten years, namely, the liberal availability of alcohol. We now seem to be putting the engines in reverse ten years too late.

I share the sentiments of previous speakers, including Senator Walsh, with regard to the prospect of reducing the limit from 80 milligrams to 50 milligrams. The proper implementation of the 80 milligrams level would be of much more benefit than paying lip-service to the provision by reducing the overall level. I am interested in seeing the empirical evidence that supports a reduction.

Will the Leader speak on the pharmacy review group established by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney? My understanding is the group is still chaired by Mr. Seán Dorgan, a very capable individual. However, he was recently appointed as chairman of Tesco Ireland. My understanding is that it is the avowed position of Tesco Ireland that it will become involved in the pharmacy market in Ireland. It is currently involved in pharmacies in Britain. Does the Leader agree that it would be an obvious conflict of interest if he remained in the position of chairman of the review group of pharmacies while taking up the position of chairman of Tesco Ireland which has an avowed policy to enter the pharmacy market here?