Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I come from a rural background. I served as chairperson of a committee that compiled a number of reports on the issue of alcohol. In such circumstances, there is no need for me to outline the reasons the Bill is so important.

Many discussions have taken place on the Order of Business and at other times about the difficulties in this country with our alcohol-related culture. As is usually the case, however, when action is taken and a Bill introduced, a lobby decides to protect its interests and states there is nothing valid in the legislation. I am completely opposed to such behaviour.

Senator McFadden disagreed with many of the provisions in the Bill and stated we must examine the position on our drink-related culture. What could change that culture more than examining access to and the availability of alcohol and the times at which it may be sold?

I accept that change is difficult and that people can rebel against it. That became perfectly clear when measures relating to the tobacco industry — another strong lobby — were introduced. I do not, perhaps, understand all of the debate relating to the Bill and its provisions. Members of the Opposition can enlighten me in that regard. I have listened to their contributions and I am trying to understand from where they are coming in respect of this matter. If we can reach the stage where nightclubs will not be disgorging people onto the streets at 3.30 a.m. or 4 a.m., our towns — I am not referring to Dublin in this regard — will benefit. The Garda sergeant in my area stated that since the costs relating to exemption orders increased, his officers finished their duties and the streets became quiet two hours earlier than previously. The increase in costs means that it is not economically viable to apply for an exemption order in rural or smaller urban areas. When I worked as a teacher in England, my friends and I would leave between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. when we were having a night out. We would eat a meal between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., go on a pub crawl through the town in which we lived and still be home by 11 p.m. or 11.30 p.m.

Objections have been made in respect of Sunday closing times. It was stated everything must remain open all night to cater for the needs of tourists. However, we must also consider the position as regards Irish people who either arrive late for work on Monday morning or who do not arrive at all. I am not opposed to alcohol. In many circumstances, I would be one of its greatest advocates. We must consider, however, if we can change the culture, even in the context of the times at which people drink, and whether we might pull back to a certain degree in that regard. This is one of the core issues relating to the Bill. I accept that it will be hard for some to come to terms with it but we must do so.

A previous speaker referred to wine. People in this country consume more wine exported from Chile than their counterparts anywhere else in the world. I could quote many statistics in this regard but will not do so.

Consideration should be given to making provision for calorie-content labelling on alcohol products when the next Bill relating to this matter is introduced. There has been much discussion about obesity and eating disorders. I can go into a shop and buy food products on which are listed the salt content, calorie content, etc. However, with the exception of diet drinks, it is not possible to discover the number of calories in an alcoholic product. As a consumer, I have as much right to know the contents of what I drink as I do the contents of what I eat, although I accept that this is a minor point.