Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to postpone a decision on the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017. All Stages should not be taken today. The issue needs further reflection and consideration. It breaks a very important Irish tradition and goes against health and anti-drink strategies and policies. It is offensive to many religious groupings, will not assist tourism and is a bad proposition. It is wrong and is threatening workers' rights. The vast majority of publicans do not want it brought in. I appeal to the Leader to allow more reflection on the matter and for it to run into the autumn, at which stage there can be a wiser consideration of it. Members should not run willy-nilly to dismantle things that are important in this country.