Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I have just realised that the legislation on party pills will not be introduced in this term. With the advent of the Christmas season it is linked to the health debate on prevention being better than cure. I call on the Leader to ask the relevant Minister if this matter can be addressed by regulation that can fast-track the European demand for us to ban these pills by March.

I also ask that we continue the debate on the abuse of alcohol early in the new year. Last Sunday, the national broadcaster had a very interesting programme which demonstrated that people did not realise what they were consuming until it was put in front of them in glasses. We are coming into a season when there will be more use and abuse of alcohol, and I do not say I will not partake of it myself. We need to return to the issue.

I note in some areas in the UK bedroom slippers are being given to girls who are inebriated to prevent them breaking their ankles owing to their high heels. A number of strategies have been deployed to keep people who have over-indulged safe. I ask the Leader to address this serious issue, the cost of it to our health service and the need for preventative measures to ensure this aspect of our culture changes.