I looked at the legislative programme sent in the past few days and I saw a reference to a Bill relating to drinking or alcohol. I spoke to the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, about this issue. At the moment, right across the country, drinking at home is becoming a major problem. If a person decides to keep drinking for a week, nobody can bring the person somewhere to treat the issue. I have personally heard about and seen this happening. Has the Government any intention of tackling this problem, which is widespread? It involves mothers, children and fathers around the country. Has the Government any intention of facing up to the problem that is evident right around the country?

I understand the legislation is expected before the House this term. Without getting into a debate on the detail of the Bill, people are entitled to drink at home. There are a couple of issues related to the Deputy's comments. There is public health education, but is the Deputy referring to minimum pricing of alcohol? I understand he is concerned about people drinking excessively.

I have no problem with anyone taking a drink. Will the Bill include provisions to tackle a problem that is arising around the country where, if a person has a real problem with drinking - perhaps drinking for seven days in the week without stopping - nothing can be done? That person will either die or decide to stop drinking.

It is an important point and, honestly, I do not have the answer. We all wish that anybody who drinks will do so responsibly, and that will form part of the debate. There should be public health education from school about the dangers of excessive drinking. There will also be some examination of pricing issues around drinking.