Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, join with colleagues in terms of the threats from cigarette companies concerning the Government's positive initiative for plain packaging. I have spoken in this House, by proposing Adjournment debates and on the Order of Business on numerous occasions, about the sneaky tactics that these cigarette companies use to peddle their products, particularly the cash and benefit-in-kind incentives they make available to young people working in supermarkets and shops around this country in order to encourage them to peddle their disgusting and dangerous wares. The Minister for Health has covered himself in glory in the way he has taken these people on. If he is remembered for nothing else in his political career, but for taking on these bully boys, then he will have done a great job.

There is another big abuse that takes place in this country, namely, the abuse of alcohol. The number of alcohol addiction places provided by the public health system is shameful. They do not number over 100 even though alcohol abuse is a major problem in this country. We must get real. We must put structures in place to facilitate people who find themselves in the dreadful position of being addicted to alcohol and help them beat their addiction.On a more positive note, I would like to finish by agreeing with my good colleague, Senator Brennan, in his description of Loop Head. Many people may not realise it but the Taoiseach’s grandfather was the lighthouse keeper for many years in Loop Head. The Taoiseach had an enjoyable experience when he visited his grandfather's old home in Loop Head about two years ago. The community in Loop Head has done a magnificent job, in collaboration with the local authority and other tourism bodies. Councillor Gabriel Keating spearheaded this project and as a county and a country we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for having the vision and foresight to drive this project. This is now considered one of the top 100 green destinations in the world and this can only auger well for County Clare. It is a fitting complement to the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience.