Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The issue of alcohol is multifaceted and the advisory group established by the Minster for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is examining a range of issues. I took this opportunity to put the groceries order debate in context. Much alcohol is now imported and there are issues such as unit cost and selling price, which are provisions defined in legislation. There is significant difficulty in trying to identify costs and one runs the risk of facilitating the importation of cheaper brands of alcohol from overseas, which was happening prior to the abolition of the groceries order. Some of these brands have a higher alcohol content than the brands we are used to.

The advisory group has also examined the significant increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of the sale of alcohol products in such outlets, including below-unit cost selling and special promotions. It is looking at the number of special exemption orders, which permit longer opening hours, that are being obtained by licensed premises around the country and the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed at combating excessive and underage alcohol consumption. A range of issues will come under the remit of the advisory group.

I am open to debate on this issue but it is complex. The previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform banned happy hours, special promotions and so on in pubs. In my opinion there are issues we can deal with and under-age drinking and so on need attention.

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