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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Registration of Wills Bill and alcohol pricing

Summary

Senator Leyden sought to advance his Registration of Wills Bill and then digressed into a lengthy attack on below-cost alcohol selling, citing newspaper adverts and retail prices. The chair repeatedly ruled the discussion out of order, but Leyden continued until he finally withdrew and resumed his seat.

I second Senator Ardagh's amendment to the Order of Business. Will the Leader arrange for Second Stage of my Registration of Wills Bill 2016, which is No. 9 on the Order Paper, to be taken next week? It would be appropriate, as the best will in the world week has just concluded. It entailed solicitors making wills for approximately €50 each. My Bill would be an opportunity to highlight this issue. It was debated by three Seanaid and was passed by two. It was on Second Stage in the previous Seanad. I pay tribute to the late Brian Lenihan for his support and assistance in that regard. If we are sitting next week, I ask that my Bill be debated.

Senator Black mentioned the intoxicating liquor Bill. The Sunday newspapers, all large stores, for example, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Mace, Londis, Musgrave, and RGDATA support-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Committee Stage will be taken tomorrow. I have already ruled on this matter.

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Yes, but I just want to make a point. The Leas-Chathaoirleach probably likes a small glass of brandy sometimes.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Not necessarily, but anyway.

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One can buy a bottle of-----

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That is very unparliamentary.

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Senator Leyden should withdraw that comment.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Order, please.

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If the Leas-Chathaoirleach does not drink brandy, I will withdraw the comment.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

I thank the Senator.

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I regret that. I think that a glass of wine is more his tipple.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

It-----

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A bottle of brandy advertised last Sunday in the newspapers-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator's time is up.

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-----cost €32. Today, the wholesale price for that bottle at a cash-and-carry is €35.

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Who was the Minister who changed that?

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It is drawing people in.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator's time is up.

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Close the Dáil bar.

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A bottle of gin was €20, but costs €22.50-----

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Who was the Minister who changed the groceries order?

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senators will have to carry this on outside the House. Senator Leyden's time is up.

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I am sorry, but-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator's time on the Order of Business is up.

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This is a forerunner to the Bill.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Make your point quickly.

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The Sunday newspapers carried six pages of advertising. All of the media is involved in the issue of below-cost selling-----

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There is a conflict of interest here.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Leyden can elaborate on that further tomorrow.

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-----because it pays the wages of journalists and the newspapers' owners. This is a serious issue. Coming up to Christmas, customers will be drawn in-----

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator can make his points tomorrow.

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-----through below-cost selling. Housewives will be brought in and encouraged to take a bottle of brandy, gin or vodka.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator is out of order.

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It is a serious issue.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Please, resume your seat.

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I will be in order tomorrow when the Bill is being debated.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Yes. Resume your seat now, please.

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I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. He was in order when he sent out the letter to councillors.

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