Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the call made by Senator Clune for the Government to publish the alcohol action policy as a matter of urgency. The CSO figures show that despite the appalling effects of the recession in recent years and in 2012, alcohol consumption increased again. Alcohol related harm costs the country an estimated €3.7 billion per year. We face a major problem and crisis in regard to alcohol and it is time the Government realised this and took decisive action to address the many issues that have been raised in this House in regard to alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse is linked with the ongoing and worrying increase in road traffic fatalities. Drink is a significant contributory factor to the increase in the number of deaths on our roads. As we head into winter, it is incumbent on all of us to conduct vehicle checks to ensure our tyres are in good shape and our lights are working properly. I am concerned that because of economic circumstances, people are cutting back on vehicle safety and that this puts lives at risk. I urge the motor industry to ensure this winter that its prices are competitive so that motorists will be able to take the opportunity to change their tyres and have their lights repaired at a competitive price. The result will be a decrease in the number of road fatalities throughout the country.