Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also share in the tributes to the former Minister of State, Deputy Róisín Shortall. She made some strong and provocative contributions in this House in the time I have been here. It is ironic that she tendered her resignation on the eve of Arthur's Day, as has been noted already. She was very much to the fore in highlighting the serious problems we have with drink. I commend Senators Bradford, Coghlan and Noone for their contributions because alcohol is effectively a national scourge now. It causes the vast majority of anti-social behaviour, crime and domestic violence. It is a serious problem and the Seanad has a role to play in carrying on the legacy of the former Minister of State in ensuring the issue is kept at the top of the political agenda. This House has the scope, time and space to come up with innovate ways of dealing with these problems and I would be an advocate of using the Seanad to do that.