Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I with other speakers in commending the Alcohol Action briefing this morning, which I co-hosted. I was on the relevant committee for the last number of years. It was an excellent presentation which focused on the effect that alcohol in the home has on children and, in particular, the effect that availability, affordability and accessibility of alcohol has on both adults and children, who are of course affected by the adults with whom they live.

Minimum pricing is one thing that will make a huge difference. In all studies, affordability is linked to the amount that is consumed. Another issue mentioned by Senator Conway-Walsh is the social media aspect, which I believe is a real challenge for us and which I mentioned some time ago on the Order of Business. Broadcasting rules which apply to alcohol advertising on television do not apply to social media. We are chasing to catch up on this issue because children are ahead of adults when it comes to much of the Internet. It is a real problem.

I take Senator Mullen's point that we need to be more courageous and I agree that alcohol is a societal issue. However, the Bill is a start and shows we are facing up to it to some degree. I welcome it because it is probably the most courageous alcohol legislation that we have seen. It is a start, although I accept a lot more needs to be done. The economic argument is also huge, as I have mentioned before, given the unacceptable level of alcohol consumption is costing the taxpayer €1.5 billion, which is equal to €1 for every €10 spent on public health. It is a serious issue. I believe the Bill will come to the House in October but it cannot come soon enough.