Calling time on the Dáil bar

Madam, – Is there a particular reason why we have a bar in Leinster House? Should all places of work have on-site bars? Is drink…

Madam, – Is there a particular reason why we have a bar in Leinster House? Should all places of work have on-site bars? Is drink necessary for transacting government business? Maybe so. This might help explain some of the mess that we are presently in.

If this Government wants to send out a serious message about drink and its role in our culture, perhaps it could lead by example and in the present financial circumstances kill two birds with one stone, save some money and set a strong example for the people of Ireland.

Can we have some real political leadership in tackling our love affair with alcohol, or is this an unreasonable suggestion? For those in desperate need of their fix, are there not plenty of bars within walking distance of Leinster House?

– Yours, etc,

NIAMH FITZPATRICK, Newmarket, Co Kilkenny.