Sean Barrett (Independent)

I wish to speak on the same topic raised by Senator Burke. I propose that the Leader send to the Cabinet a transcript of our debate on 16 November 2011, during which all the points we have heard today were made. All of the points we have heard today were put at that debate. There are two sides to this argument. The price of alcohol has not been falling, although consumption has done. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, can confirm that. We put this evidence before the House on 16 November and I wonder if the problem is being exaggerated. The current Economist Pocket World in Figures puts consumption of alcohol in Ireland at 23rd in the world, behind Australia, with an average annual intake of 99.4 litres, as well as Finland and Germany. Ireland's average intake is 63.5 litres.