Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As stated recently, the sale of alcohol Bill is to be published early in 2007. The purpose of the Bill will be to codify the law relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol. There are over 200 heads relating to the Bill and while people are working on it, I do not believe anyone is doing so on a full-time basis. The heads have been approved but the Bill, which will be enormous because it will bring together relevant legislation introduced prior to and since the foundation of the State, must still be drafted.

Both the Privacy Bill and the Defamation Bill are due to proceed. The latter was introduced in the Seanad this morning. As the Deputy is aware from comments that have been made, the industry has been making representations to the Tánaiste regarding changes and he is prepared to engage with its representatives in that regard. The Government still intends to proceed with both Bills.

See this speech in context