Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and wish him every success in his new brief. This legislation is a welcome and prompt response to a report published only a few months ago by the alcohol advisory group. The Minister has moved quickly to introduce legislation on the sale of alcohol products in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations and to address the issue of low cost selling and special promotions.

All Members have been contacted by representatives of retailers to discuss how to proceed, particularly with regard to the provisions on supermarkets. I am pleased the Minister has decided to step back and allow the retail stores to produce a code of practice for managing the sale of alcohol. Issues to be addressed include signage, advertising and persons entitled to purchase alcohol. Greater awareness is needed because young people still do not know when they are breaking the law. Retail outlets must be made responsible for creating greater awareness.

This is worthwhile legislation and I welcome the Minister's commitment to introduce further legislation in the autumn to address more complex issues.

I am concerned about the impact of excessive alcohol consumption, which is a cultural and social rather than legislative issue. We must all take responsibility for addressing the problem. Parents, residents associations, communities and local authorities are failing to fulfil their roles. Legislators can take action but parents must be made aware and local authorities must deal with issues such as drinking in open spaces and the granting of planning permission.

I am not convinced by the argument that closing time should be staggered. It is preferable if all patrons of licensed premises leave at the same time as otherwise they move from one premises to the next.

I look forward to getting involved in a broader debate on this major social issue and wish the Minister well with this legislation. This is a welcome first step but more remains to be done.