Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I have not spoken on this aspect of the discussion before, but I believe there is a real effort in Senator Regan's amendment, No. 12a, to face up to a problem which the Minister believes is creating public disorder. The Minister, when introducing the Bill, mentioned that one of its objectives was to reduce public disorder. There is a real danger that this legislation, without Senator Regan's amendment, will impinge on citizen's rights. In addition, it will certainly affect tourism. If we make Ireland an unattractive country to visit — the accusation of nanny state may well apply — fewer people will come here. It is difficult to defend.

A couple of years ago my wife and I were in Salt Lake City, Utah. We were invited out to dinner in a restaurant and when asked what we would like to drink, I said I would have a glass of white wine while my wife said she would have red wine. However, our host said that would present a problem as there was a law in the city that two bottles of wine could not be on the table at the same time. I had to give way and have red wine instead of white wine. This is an instance of legislation that intruded on citizens' rights. The words "nanny state" may apply. It may well have been that when the legislation was introduced there was an objective behind it. The Minister's objective here is to avoid public disorder and I believe Senator Regan's amendment is an effort to achieve that. I do not think the Minister of State has made the case that the amendment should not be accepted.