Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Since Senator Lawless has expressed support for the Government's amendments then clearly I am happy to express support, on behalf of the Labour Party, for the amendments and the Bill. Senator Ó Ríordáin spoke on behalf of the Labour Party on Second Stage in support of the legislation. I think the legislation is a sensible move towards the consolidated intoxicating liquor code that the Minister mentioned. We are all hopeful that we will get the code some day. I know many legal practitioners who have made a great living from the complexity of the code and interpreting it for clients.

All of us are conscious of the harm caused by alcohol in society. We are also aware of the need for a mature attitude towards alcohol and responsible consumption. The current law has anomalous exceptions about which Senator Ó Ríordáin quite amusingly spoke on Second Stage. As the current law is simply not fit for purpose, it makes sense to introduce this rational change. I am delighted to support the change and the amendments too.