Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to continue in the same vein as my Seanad colleagues, particularly following Senator Bradford's remarks. If Arthur's Day was health day, it would not enjoy the same notoriety. Let us call a spade a spade, alcohol is embedded in our culture; that is the fundamental problem we have never grappled with. I call today for Arthur's Say to sponsor a drugs day and in that show how important the message to "drink responsibly" is. Until we get at the fundamental issue that alcohol is a drug that changes our behaviour, we are missing the point. I agree with Senator Conway, that we should be looking at best practice worldwide to combat alcohol abuse. I see 18 year olds who are looking for their passport the minute they turn 18 in order that they can prove they are 18 to buy a drink. This is what they want; it is the norm in our society. This is what I see among my children's peers. It is fitting to pay tribute to the former Minister of State because she championed the combatting of alcohol abuse and we must continue with her quest, especially when it comes to advertising.

I am saddened to see Deputy Shortall step down in this way, especially as a woman. She was extremely hard working and many tributes have been paid to her work on alcohol abuse today but I also saw the work she did on public health nursing. I am a patron of the ICHN and can tell the House that she gave a voice to people on the front line who had never been acknowledged before. I wish her well.