Joe O'Toole (Independent)

And in the west, the Leas-Chathaoirleach's own county would be well attuned. One of the requirements is that it would not be saleable as raw alcohol. I refer to head shops with denatured methanol or ethanol. This is the reason petrol or some other additive is added in order to ensure it is not potable. These are the issues to be considered. I do not wish to repeat the points made by Senators Norris and O'Reilly and by speakers on the Government side. I do not think I am misrepresenting the Government benches by saying that. I appreciate the points that have been made by Senator Walsh. It is important for the Minister of State to bear in mind that arguments can be made and legislation can be changed in the Seanad. This House is the most appropriate forum for an inherent examination of the issues in a way that is not necessarily based on party policy positions. The Members of this House put their shoulder to the wheel and move things on together in the interests of the country as a whole.

This proposal would help to tick the security of supply box and to provide the construction jobs I mentioned. It would support our agricultural sector, which could do with all sorts of help at the moment. It would increase tax revenue. More importantly, it is an environmentally friendly and sustainable industry. It would help to meet all the demands being made at domestic and EU levels.

I could speak about this issue for another hour, but all I would be doing is rehearsing or developing the points. I assume the Minister of State understands these issues. I am sure he accepts that Senators on all sides of the House have a sense of enthusiasm and commitment in this regard. It would be very demoralising if the Minister of State were to puncture the great enthusiasm and optimism we have showered on him for the past hour.