Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I concur with Senator White about regulation of the media, in particular in terms of media coverage last Sunday which slurred the thousands of decent people who attended the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis. It is wrong that people can state their opinions and not have to adhere to facts. The sooner there is more examination of what is being written, the better.

I concur with Senator O'Donovan about a debate on seafood. I renew my call for the appointment of one Minister with responsibility for the marine. Currently, this matter comes within the remit of seven ministries, which makes it impossible to drive the potential of the marine sector. I ask the Deputy Leader to bring this matter to the Taoiseach's attention.

I draw attention to the decision taken by the Scottish Government to deal with its serious alcohol problem. Scotland is ranked eighth in the world in terms of alcohol consumption. The cost in this regard to its economy is €2.2 billion with 42,000 people attending emergency services for alcohol related injuries and so on. Scotland is considering the introduction of minimum pricing and the abolition of happy hours and deals such as two drinks for the price of one.

It was stated in this House prior to Christmas that people were leaving this country in the droves to purchase cheaper alcohol in the North. I ask that the Deputy Leader provide time for a discussion on this issue. If Scotland, which is ranked eighth in the world in terms of alcohol consumption, is concerned then Ireland, given it is ranked second in the world, should also be concerned. This issue is raised often in this House. I ask again that time be provided for a debate on alcohol in the context of the introduction of an all-Ireland VAT rate on alcohol to deal with access and availability of cheap alcohol and that this issue be drawn to the attention of the British-Irish Council, the British Irish Interparliamentary Body and at all forthcoming North-South Ministerial Council meetings. We should also be discussing with the Scottish Parliament how it is addressing this issue, what advice we can offer it and what lessons we can learn from it in this regard. I believe this would be a worthwhile exercise.