Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I join colleagues in expressing concern at what happened in the Phoenix Park at the weekend and the ongoing problem of excessive alcohol consumption in our society. We have had many debates in this House on the need to curtail alcohol advertising, particularly where it is linked with sporting events in the context of sponsorship. There has been a great deal of hand-wringing, but we seem to fall down when it comes to specific actions in this area. I asked some weeks ago whether the Government has specific timelines for introducing legislation to address these problems. I look forward to a greater urgency in this regard.

I welcome Senator Healy Eames's reference to the importance of education in tackling the widespread misuse of alcohol. I suspect that a survey of citizens on what they consider the main national emergencies facing the country would show a universal focus on the economic crisis. At the same time, however, there is a type of dullness of thought around the severe problem of alcohol abuse in this country now and into the future.