Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

My point is that thousands are coming onto the streets at the same time.

As stated, the effects of this proposal will be most severe in large urban areas. There is already a major strain on public transport, particularly taxis. People congregate outside public houses, chip shops and nightclubs in search of taxis. When large numbers of individuals gather in this way, trouble usually occurs. There must be staggered closing times for pubs and nightclubs. That is the only option.

We need to regulate and formalise the nightclub industry. A protest took place on the street outside the Houses last week in this regard. I am convinced that thousands of jobs will be in jeopardy if the Bill becomes law. This sector of the economy is already suffering. We should be trying in the Bill to protect young people, our most valuable asset, but I do not believe we will do so. Since 2000, the nightclub industry has been promised new licensing laws that would specifically regulate its business. Not only has the Minister failed to deal specifically with the industry in the Bill, he is effectively also going to destroy the industry. If we want our streets to be safer for young people and other citizens, we must legislate in respect of them. The reforms in the Bill do not in any way attempt to address the serious issues of public disorder and our drink-related culture. Hitting the nightclub industry will only galvanise young people further. The majority of young people are law-abiding citizens who wish to enjoy their weekends. I am concerned that they will be encouraged to drink alcohol in uncontrolled environments.

The central aspect of this matter is the need to examine and investigate our drink-related culture. To do the latter, we must consider how our lives are centred around alcohol. While I acknowledge that the State and the Oireachtas have a key role to play in ensuring licensing laws and legislation to control alcohol intake are in place, ultimately responsibility lies with parents in educating their children to have respect. In addition, alcohol should not be a prominent feature of every family celebration. We must also not overlook the importance of individual responsibility when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. We must discuss and debate responsibility and our relationship with alcohol in order to address the seriousness of the problem. Senator Buttimer referred to youngsters tanking up on cheap wine before going out in the evening. In the past people in this country suffered from low self-esteem. However, times have changed and citizens are now much more confident. We must change our mindset in respect of alcohol. Statistics indicate that 46% of murders are committed when the perpetrators are intoxicated. In addition, much of the abuse perpetrated against women occurs when those responsible for such abuse are intoxicated.