Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have had several discussions in this House on alcohol and drug abuse. I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children which has spent several months in discussions with organisations, alcohol companies and supporting agencies that deal with people who have problems with alcohol and use drugs. Will the Leader ask the new Minister of State, Deputy White, to the House as a matter of urgency in order that he can inform us as to the timescale in which we can start to deal with this problem? The former Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, had plans and the Government is committed to introducing minimum pricing in regard to alcohol and to other aspects of dealing with the problem. All the work has been done and the committee has submitted a report. If the Leader can bring the new Minister of State to the House within the next week or so we would be very grateful to hear what he has to say on this issue.