No workplace has a bar. Why should the Dáil?

The State has laws to regulate the consumption of alcohol because of the dire effects of drinking above the prescribed limit.

Most employers do not tolerate the consumption of alcohol during working hours, and impose heavy penalties, and even dismiss workers who are found to be breaking the rules.

In Ireland, we have a bar at the heart of our political decision-making. The scenes that were visible to the world during the final days of the debate on Irish Water did not do our image much good. People also remember the unfortunate state of former taoiseach, Brian Cowen, when he went on radio early one morning.