Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, indeed it does. According to this source it seems that St. Brigid herself had her hand in miraculous brewing. Given that we have had some strong cultural allusions in the many debates we have had earlier today I thought it would be nice to conclude with an 11th century Irish poem, St. Brigid’s Ale Feast. When asked what her view of heaven was St. Brigid replied:

I would like to have a great lake of beer for Christ the King

I would like to be watching the heavenly family drinking it down through all eternity

While Irish vineyards may be a new phenomenon it seems Irish craft brewing is not a new phenomenon and the increase in the number of women involved in the craft brewing industry is not a new phenomenon.

Joking aside, this is a small but important Bill and it could contribute to the growth of a dynamic and fast growing sector in the economy. It would also contribute to an increase in tourism. It is something all Members on both sides of the House can support. It is about responsible consumption of alcohol. I am sure the Minister will respond to Senator McDowell's important point about persons who are over 18 because this is about responsible consumption and that is something that needs to be stressed. When we see people having a small glass of Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse, which is also near where I live in central Dublin and we see the phenomenal number of visitors to that store; it is not about drinking large quantities of alcohol, it is about the experience of seeing the way in which Guinness is produced and being able to consume a small amount of alcohol as part of that experience. That is also a very important point to make in support of this important Bill.