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Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 15 May 1997

Vol. 151 No. 12

Licensing (Combating Drugs Abuse) Bill, 1997: Committee and Final Stages.

Sections 1 to 8, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 9.
Question proposed: "That section 9 stand part of the Bill."

Throughout the country people enjoy themselves set dancing, etc., in pubs — I am sure they enjoy such activities in Senator Howard's pub in Clare. Does the Bill impose any restrictions on this type of dancing in pubs which is widely advertised?

Question put and agreed to.
Sections 10 to 15, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 16.
Question proposed: "That section 16 stand part of the Bill."

Section 16 concerns the forfeiture of sound equipment and other disco apparatus, but what about liquor that is found at rave parties? Will it also be seized and disposed of in the same manner?

No, it will not be seized.

I do not wish to detain the Minister of State on this point. However, it seems peculiar that if liquor is being sold in large quantities at a rave party in a derelict building, it would not be seized in the same way.

If people are selling drink illegally, the law on this matter would be enforced.

That is what I mean.

The ordinary law would operate there. The purpose of this legislation is to control drugs and stamp out this menace. We are not targeting drink in the sense the Senator has mentioned.

Question put and agreed to.
Sections 17 to 22, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

I thank the Minister for bringing this Bill before the House. During his term of office he has introduced legislation in this House on many occasions. There were times when the Minister of State and I did not see eye to eye and sometimes people can get hot under the collar, but Deputy Currie has been a good Minister of State.

It was gratifying to note from the Leader of the House, in answer to a question on the Adoption Bill, that talks are ongoing concerning this problem. I hope the problem can be resolved.

I wish the Minister of State every success in the forthcoming election and I hope to see him back again.

I join with Senator Fitzgerald's comments. I thank the Minister of State for his co-operation, not only today but on many past occasions. I am confident that the temporary interruption in his career as Deputy will be rectified in due course. When he returns in the new session I expect he will have an additional diamond on his shoulder, which will be well deserved. I wish the Minister of State success. I also wish my colleagues every success in whatever House they are seeking election to and I am sure they will be successful. Senator Fitzgerald, Senator Manning, and the Leas-Chathaoirleach have been remarkably consistent contributors to the business of the House. I wish them and the Minister the best of luck in the weeks ahead.

I thank the two Senators for their kind remarks and for their vote of confidence in my future. I have always enjoyed coming to the Seanad. We have passed some useful legislation here, and I look forward to steering both the Adoption (No. 2) Bill and the Children Bill, which is a great reforming measure of which I am proud, through this House.

Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 12.45 p.m. and resumed at 3.30 p.m.
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