Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I accept what the Minister of State said but it is bad law. It is bad to pass legislation without assessing the impact it will have, including its economic impact. A regulatory impact analysis should be undertaken in respect of everything we do. It would not take much time and would be very simple. No law should be passed with knowing what its effect will be.

This legislation has been rushed. The alcohol advisory group set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Gordon Holmes has, as the Minister of State said, done a lot of work. It was established in January and told to report by March. Many representations were made to it but the process was rushed. The Government looked at the report sometime in March and then introduced the Bill in May without attention being given to it. The reason we have had so many calls from various vested interests is they did not have a chance to express their points of view beforehand and it is now far too late for them to do so. We should consider this matter much more seriously. Legislation should not be passed without having some idea of what its impact will be. In this case, the Minister has not analysed the cost, including the economic cost. The Minister of State should accept the amendment. I hope that between now and Report Stage he will give it serious consideration.