Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, we heard a great deal about job creation. For some people such as vintners, retaining jobs is extremely important. Yesterday was not a very good day for vintners. Will the Leader request that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, come before the House as soon as possible? The licensed premises sector has been on its knees for several years and we have reached the stage where one public house is closing each week.

We have to contend with the cheap sale of alcohol in supermarkets which is creating a major problem in terms of alcohol abuse. I am getting fed up waiting for something to be done regarding the cheap sale of alcohol. Since we came into this House two years ago, the former Minister of State, Deputy Shortall came to this House on several occasions, the Minister, Deputy Alex White, has since replaced her and we are still waiting for something to happen. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to come to the House, as a matter of urgency, to let us know when something will be done to address the cheap sale of alcohol.