Seanad debates

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

11:00 am

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)

On two consecutive days, there have been extensive calls for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to attend the House. Yesterday, the main issue in that regard was the closure of the embassy in the Holy See and today, it is Gaza. We have there two reasons the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should attend the House today. It would be helpful if the Leader could express his commitment to asking him to attend the House.

Yesterday, the Leader expressed the hope that were economic circumstances to permit, the embassy to the Holy See would be re-opened. This is in danger of becoming a running sore among many of good will and some date on the door would be a good idea. We have targets in overseas development aid which we will hopefully reach at a particular date. It would be a mature signal from the Government if it indicated when the embassy may re-open.

Senator Noone and others raised the matter of alcohol abuse on yesterday's Order of Business. Today, reports state cases of treatment for alcohol abuse are up by over 40% since 2005, another running sore. The Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for primary care, Deputy Shortall, described below-cost selling of alcohol, as well as advertising targeting young people, as irresponsible.

Many of us will have heard the stirring interview by Seán O'Rourke with a man who lost his son as a result, partially, of alcohol abuse. That man pointed the finger at low-cost selling of alcohol and house parties which allow young people to drink in an unrestricted environment. This issue needs to be addressed in this House soon.

With regard to whether we should be concerned about alcohol advertising targeted at young people, I believe it is past time we got rid of all alcohol advertising. I have called for the banning of alcohol advertising at sporting and cultural events. We need to face up to this as a major issue in our society which has major consequences for public health now and will have in the future as the rising cost of treating people in later life as a result of alcohol abuse will become clear and stark. Will the Leader arrange a debate on this matter soon?

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