Public Health Alcohol Bill
Senator Gavan asks where the Government’s alcohol legislation has gone and warns against rushing another Bill while the public health measure is delayed. The exchange centres on the need to reintroduce the alcohol Bill before proceeding with the other legislation.
I understand that we are likely to see Senator Lawless's Bill to repeal the Good Friday licensing laws back before this Chamber in the coming weeks. To be clear, I am quite happy to see that Bill progress. However, I am concerned about the disappearance of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. It is a little bizarre that a member of the Opposition has to raise a Fine Gael Bill and ask where it is-----
Comment on this
It is not a Fine Gael Bill. It is a Government Bill.
Comment on this
Apologies - a Government Bill and to ask where it is. What message will it send-----
Comment on this
I accept that. What message is this Chamber sending-----
Comment on this
What message will we be sending from this Chamber if we are seen to be rushing through legislation to enable people to drink more alcohol, while the Bill to deal with the crisis in alcohol consumption in this country has disappeared? It has disappeared because of difficulties within Fine Gael and we must be very clear about that. I have a very simple request to make. I ask the Leader to confirm that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will be reintroduced before we proceed with the Bill from Senator Lawless so that the country can see where our priorities lie. We should be tackling the crisis in alcohol before we license for further sales of same.