Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join my constituency colleague, Senator O'Reilly, in welcoming today's media reports that the Government is considering reducing excise duty on alcohol. I endorse everything the Senator has said on alcoholism and the problems faced by many people and more certainly needs to be done to address this issue. He and I know people who are in serious business trouble as a result of people going north of the Border from Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim to buy drink because it is substantially cheaper than it is in the Republic. While they are up there purchasing their drink they also do the rest of their shopping. I welcome the reports that excise duty is to be tackled and reduced in the budget.

Car VRT also needs to be addressed as it has seriously damaged the motor industry not only in Cavan, Monaghan and other Border counties, but throughout the 26 counties. People are able to go north, purchase a brand new vehicle, bring it in here quite legally and pay less than they would pay here in the Republic. That is another area I would like to see addressed.