I am constantly raising this issue but I will raise it again. I was quite taken aback by a briefing held in the Houses last week by various experts in the area of alcohol-related illnesses. It is now the case that such illnesses claim the lives of between three and seven people daily. Apart from the obvious human tragedy, there is also a great social and economic cost to the country, with an estimated cost in monetary terms of €3.7 billion annually. Report after report has indicated the path we are on. The national substance misuse strategy steering group has shown that alcohol is a significant factor in suicide, sexual and physical assault and murder. Allied to this is the serious rise in liver damage, particularly, sadly, among young people. The health authorities have acknowledged their responsibility to inform the Oireachtas and I believe we are quite informed at this stage. It is beyond time for us to tackle this issue in a serious way. Lifestyle issues and the role of alcohol in the lives of young people must be seriously examined. We are all aware that the smoking and drinking driving bans faced strong-----

Have you a question for the leader, Senator?

I will get to the question in one moment, if you will bear with me. Those proposals faced strong opposition initially but no one can deny the positive effects that both those bans have had. In fact, a recent study by Brunel University in London revealed that-----

Senator, have you a question for the Leader?

It revealed that 4,000 lives are estimated to have been saved in the country by the introduction of the smoking ban in 2004.

Is the Senator looking for a debate on the issue?

I am looking for a debate on this matter like we have had previously. Will the Leader ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy White, to attend the House to discuss what is happening and whether the Government will implement the steering group’s suggestions contained in its report?

I agree with Senator Mullins on retaining the VAT rate of 9% for the restaurant industry.

The Senator is over time. I call on Senator Walsh.

It has been significantly beneficial to the sector.

The Senator is way over time. Please respect the Chair. I have called Senator Walsh.

In fairness, I am not that much over time.

It is only Tuesday. We will have plenty of time tomorrow.