Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not get the opportunity to speak on Second Stage of the Bill due to being abroad on Oireachtas business. I wanted to add my voice. I will try not to repeat what others have said. I welcome the Bill. I congratulate Senator Lawless on his tireless work. I also congratulate the former Senator, Imelda Henry, on the work she did on this matter in the previous Seanad.One topic mentioned by those a little uncomfortable about the Bill is respect for traditions and values. As a person from a minority background, the most important value is that the State is a republic, that all those in the State are tolerated equally and that the value system of the majority is not imposed as much as was previously the case. That is an issue on which the country is slowly progressing and the Bill is yet another example of how we are starting to open up. If people choose not to take alcohol on Good Friday - as I will so choose due to the peculiar nature of my personality rather than any religious views - that is fine. However, legislation prohibiting the consumption of alcohol of Good Friday is no longer needed and Ireland needs to move more quickly towards being a secular and open republic. I commend the Bill.