Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Sinn Féin, I welcome this debate. It is in the interests of public health. We all know the burden on the public purse and, in particular, the public's heath. This morning, there was a discussion in the Chamber about assaults on front-line staff and first responders, for example, fire-fighters, nurses, medics and gardaí. They usually respond to fires, accidents and domestic violence, which are largely fuelled by alcohol.They then attack the first responders still fuelled by alcohol. We need this debate and we need to get our house in order and no longer be known as the drunken Irish. I welcome minimum pricing. To go back to Scotland, the European courts have ruled that it is in the public interest. There are some concerns about structural segregation. We will discuss them when we get to section 20. There are 52 amendments. The basic aim is to protect children and, ultimately, change our mindset. It is possible and it is essential for our well-being.