John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Reference was made to young people being harmful drinkers but I suspect if one was to visit hostelries in Dublin or any part of the country, one would find that most of those who indulge in harmful drinking are not in the first flush of youth. The problem is not exclusive to any age group, class or cohort of people.

I am interested in the relationship between mental health and alcohol. In the late 1990s and the early 2000s there was a clear correlation between high levels of drinking and high rates of suicide and self-harm. During the years from 2002 to 2008 when the sale of alcohol and consumption dropped from 13 litres to 11 litres per person per annum there was a corresponding decrease in the rate of suicide. The connection between the two is very well established. As the Minister said in his statement, alcohol is related in some way to nearly 50% of suicides. These figures are alarming. There is not a family or a community in the country that has not been affected in some way by this. If the legislation achieves only a reduction in the rates of suicide and self-harm, then it will have definitely served its purpose. However, it goes further. Apart from the public health benefits of the legislation in the context of addictions and illnesses it will also help to address concerns around alcohol in the incidents of public order, loss of work days and the personal tragedies of people who are married or related to those addicted to alcohol and the children who are exposed to violent behaviour and domestic abuse. The lists of negatives related to the harmful use of alcohol is nearly endless.

Could the Minister indicate who will receive the profit when the minimum unit price is created? Does it accrue to the publican, the industry or the Government? It works out at only €15 per year per person if one drinks only within non-harmful ranges. It is still a substantial amount of money.

There is incontrovertible evidence that alcohol consumption is sensitive to price increase. This is especially true for people who indulge in harmful drinking. A reference was made to a recent deal of 20 bottles of beer for €16. There is also a promotion of 24 cans of beer for €19. That is 48 units of alcohol at 50 cent a go, which is within the price range of even the youngest children. If they put their pocket money together, they would certainly be able to afford it. The proposal for minimum pricing is very welcome.

Senator MacSharry raised concerns about the segregation of alcohol sales. I believe he overstated the case. In most shops, segregation is not done by means of six foot walls or electric fences, it is done very reasonably. Any cost implication for the retailer is probably offset by the increased profits, if the profit does accrue to the retailer.

I was glad to hear Senator van Turnhout's comments about education. I heard a doctor speaking on radio recently following the publication of the Bill. He said the drinks industry was bemoaning the fact that a greater emphasis was not placed on education in the legislation. He said that the reason the drinks industry would be so focused on education is because education is probably the least effective measure in controlling alcohol abuse.

I look forward to debating this in greater detail on Committee Stage. I have much more to say about it and I commend the Minister on his pursuit of this important public health initiative.