Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join other speakers in asking the Leader for a debate on the Intoxicating Liquor Act. I hope the judge who will deal with the case will not interpret the legislation in such a way as to give permission to pubs to open on Good Friday. It is important to tackle the invasion of secularism and through it, money, that has become the god in Ireland. It is imperative to maintain the values that have been given to us. At a time when the church has not shown leadership, it is incumbent on the civic authorities to do so and to stand up for that in which they believe. As a practising Christian, I believe that Good Friday is a day to which we should hold firm and there should not be a change in this regard at all. I join with Senator Norris in suggesting a reversion to the position whereby Sunday becomes a day of rest and leisure-----