Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have heard a great deal about neknomination in recent days. I take this opportunity to sympathise with the Byrne family in Carlow, the members of which were so courageous in coming out publicly - so soon after the death of their loved one - in order to warn people about this phenomenon. It is not just young people who are partaking in this craze. Parents are also involved, which is shocking. Will the Leader request that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, come before the House to discuss this matter? On several occasions I have asked that the Minister of State appear before us in order that he might explain why it is taking so long to deal with the issue of cheap alcohol. Out of curiosity I watched a number of the neknomination videos on Facebook and many of the dares - if one wants to call them that - did not take place in pubs, where drinking occurs in a controlled environment. Much of what is happening is related to the sale and ready availability of cheap alcohol. This is a major issue. I do not contribute to the Order of Business that often but I seem to refer to the same issue on each occasion I do so. Will the Leader ask the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to come before us, as a matter or urgency, and indicate when the Government is going to take steps to deal with the sale of cheap alcohol?