FF are not in the publicans’ pocket
In Mr Mills’ opinion, the recent debate on café bars is a simple kneejerk reaction to interested parties in the drinks industry.
It is unfortunate that whenever a Fianna Fáil politician takes a stand on public health, he or she is accused of being in the pockets of vested interests.
Since taking over as chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children last October, I have taken an active interest in the issue of alcohol abuse.
As a publican, I am only too aware of the ravages alcohol can inflict on the individual and, more importantly, the family.
Just over two years ago, my committee drafted a report which called for a radical overhaul of public policy in relation to alcohol abuse.
Last September, the National Task Force on Alcohol reported that a national alcohol policy was required as a matter of urgency.
Before making alcohol more freely available we need a strategy that does not simply reflect the views of the alcohol industry, but those combating the strife caused by alcohol abuse.
I should declare another interest. In addition to holding a pub licence, I share in a family undertaking business. In this respect, I am only too aware of the increasing trend of suicide in Ireland. Out of the 444 people who committed suicide last year, just over two-fifths were attributed to alcohol abuse.
One in every three deaths in the 15-24 age group was caused by suicide. These are frightening statistics and cannot be ignored. Lest Mr Mills thinks that I and some of my FF colleagues are just patsies for the drinks industry and the vintners, I intend to raise with the industry the likelihood of pumping large amounts of money into research on alcohol abuse.
I will also be urging them to help fund many of the charities that treat and care for those suffering from alcoholism.
I also wish to put the issue of the drinks industry’s sponsorship of sporting events on the agenda of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee.
Is this the attitude of someone clambering to champion the cause of the publicans?
No doubt a number of publicans are looking to make a quick buck. The vast majority, however, wish to run responsible businesses. It is not in their interest to abuse their local clientele.
They realise that, in most cases, they have done well out of the drinks industry and should be willing to give something back to wider society.
Fianna Fáil in government is not afraid to make tough decisions.
The introduction of the smoking ban was the most radical piece of public health policy in decades.
Ireland was to the forefront in the EU in terms of best practice in public health. When Micheál Martin first floated the concept of the smoking ban, the vintners’ lobby prophesied doom and gloom. Fianna Fáil TDs were to be shunned at the party’s árd fheis in Killarney.
On that occasion, Fianna Fáil did not bow in the face of opposition. Instead, the public good took precedence. The benefits are there today for all to see.
John Moloney TD
Dáil Eireann
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
