Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I intend to bring the contents of the report of the alcohol advisory group to the attention of Government in the very near future. At the same time, I will seek the Government's approval of my proposals for the implementation of recommendations contained in the report. The group was asked to examine the following areas of concern — the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale of alcohol products in such outlets, including below unit-cost selling and special promotions; the increasing number of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours and which are being obtained by licensed premises around the country; and the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption.

I also intend to publish the legislation during the current session, and with the assistance and co-operation of both Houses, to have it enacted before the summer recess. I received the report at the end of March, but I decided not to publish it because there have been a sufficient number of reports on this particular area. Any report should be matched on publication with definitive Government proposals for the implementation of the recommendations in it.

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