Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Official Report contains the full list of the committees.

I would not be involved with these groups on a daily basis but I know the position of the group relating to alcohol. Two separate pieces of legislation are being considered. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has commenced the examination of the sale of alcohol products and he has engaged the same chairman who dealt with the previous legislation to consider what can be done about the sale and supply of alcohol. The Deputy made the point about the significant number of outlets where alcohol is available, from petrol stations to supermarkets. The issue will be considered.

The other matter relates to advertising. The attitude taken to that for the past few years is to try to co-ordinate the industry to work together to change the image regarding the abuse of alcohol. If that is not working, it is open to the Minister and the cross-departmental team to make a decision at any time to proceed with advertising legislation, which was substantially drafted a few years ago. They are the two main issues.

The Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, hopes to have a Bill on the sale of alcohol in the House later this year.

See this speech in context