Ms Nessa Childers:

Senator Whelan raised the issue of alcohol-related harm and the position in Europe. This is a national issue, but it does arise in the European Parliament. The expert platform in which I am involved is attempting to try and draw it down to national level. This is difficult, because it is a member state competence. The issue of the pricing of medicines is also a member state competence, but member states now have the ability to see what other states are paying for medicine. This issue is contentious also and is going to the Council in October. The Irish Presidency is trying to deal with that legislation. Members here have a way of influencing European legislation. They can interact with the Irish Government members who go to Council and negotiate and in that way try to change their policy.

To return to the question of alcohol, we have not yet addressed the issue of putting a floor underneath the price of alcohol. Perhaps somebody here can tell me the position regarding that legislation. Has it ground to a halt?