David Norris (Independent)

We are going into the information world and knowledge economy but there will be a cap on students.

I join colleagues in raising the issue of the disastrous abuse of alcohol in our society. I am pleased that not only the Taoiseach, but also the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Róisín Shortall, have indicated their intention to take action in this regard. They are talking the talk, and I hope they will walk the walk. There has been an increase of 145% in the number of people under 18 years presenting at hospitals with alcohol-related injuries. In County Donegal last month, for example, 26 young people were hospitalised in one weekend as a consequence of alcohol abuse. An important factor in this problem is below-cost selling and promotions by alcohol retailers. Will the Government, in its consideration of the Seanad, examine whether it is appropriate in these circumstances, given the damage arising from the unwise use of alcohol, to have a representative in this House nominated by vintners? I would contend that it is not.