asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the proposals in the discussion document on poteen produced by Comharchumann Chois Fharraige.

It is open to any person to set up a distillery to make spirits of any kind if he complies with the ordinary requirements of the laws relating to the production and marketing of spirits, in particular the excise laws administered by the Revenue Commissioners.

I would not be prepared to accept any proposals for reduced taxation in favour of home consumption of particular spirits. Exports of spirits are, of course, exempt from payment of excise duties and any concession in respect of home sales of a particular product would not only involve a loss in revenue but also result in unfair discrimination against competing products. This, of course, would not be allowed under our EEC obligations.

Is the Minister saying that there is no objection whatever to somebody setting up a distillery to make poteen?

Absolutely none, provided they comply with the excise laws of the country.

(Dublin Central): That would make it very difficult.

Will the Minister elaborate a little on what are the ordinary excise laws?

I did not want to ask that question.

It would not be possible to elaborate briefly. Any person considering setting up a distillery would be well advised to get legal advice. Nobody should engage in poteen making unless he is complying with the law.

(Dublin Central): They do not need legal advice.

They do.

Will the Minister agree that the proposition made by Comharchumann Chois Fharraige is one that might be seriously considered, not just viewed solely from the point of view of the Minister's Department but in the employment it would generate? I suppose it could be described as an indigenous industry in that area, where all the raw materials are readily available. While there might be a loss to the Minister's Department there might be a gain to other Departments, and, more important, to the local community.

There might be a serious loss to the state of health of many people if the consumption which some people are associating with the manufacture of poteen was to materialise. I should hate to think of the appalling health bill the country might have to face. What I said at the beginning is perfectly true. Any person who wishes to manufacture and sell spirits may do so provided he complies with the ordinary requirements of the law. This requires among other things the payment of excise duty.

Will the Minister accept that the health of the people might be better guarded by having the manufacture of poteen controlled rather than by the present situation where it is not controlled?

I want to assure the Deputy that it is controlled. If any person knows about the manufacture of poteen outside the law I trust that he will, as a good citizen, inform the law officers.

I am sure the Minister will get a lot of letters in the morning.

I look forward to hearing from Deputy Browne.

Is the Minister saying that excessive drinking of alcohol is causing bad health?

I have not said that. However, if the Deputy wants me to say that excessive drinking can do damage to one's health I will say it. If the Deputy disagrees with that I would be very glad if he would offer me medical evidence.