Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. It is appropriate that we are discussing alcohol control measures during Action on Alcohol Week. As the Senator may be aware, events and conferences are being held this week, facilitated by the Alcohol Forum, to raise awareness of the problems caused by alcohol and advance debate and mobilise communities to reduce Ireland's alcohol harm. Initiatives such as Action on Alcohol Week are crucial in raising awareness of the damage caused by the misuse of alcohol, changing our attitudes to alcohol and reducing our levels of harmful drinking. The Government supports this initiative and the Minister for Health will speak at the Alcohol Forum national conference tomorrow.

Most Irish adults drink too much and many drink dangerously. This has a significant impact on society and the economy through greater illness and higher health costs, public order and violent offences, road traffic collisions, injuries and absences from work. It is also associated with many suicides and instances of rape, domestic violence and child abuse.

Our alcohol problem is serious and decisive and innovative action is required to address it. In February the Government approved and published the general scheme of the public health (alcohol) Bill. This legislation forms part of a comprehensive suite of measures to reduce excessive patterns of alcohol consumption, as set out in the steering group's report on a national substance misuse strategy. The aim is to reduce alcohol consumption in Ireland to 9.1 litres per person per annum by 2020 and reduce the harm associated with alcohol. This legislation is the most far-reaching proposed by any Government, with alcohol misuse being addressed for the first time as a public health measure.

Structural separation for alcohol products in mixed trading outlets is provided for in section 9 of Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 which comes within the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality. This section provides that all alcohol products sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and similar outlets must be displayed and sold in a structurally separated part of the premises.It has not been commenced to date. The Departments of Health and Justice and Equality are examining the best way to implement the provision on the separation of alcohol products from other products in mixed trading premises. As alcohol is no ordinary commodity, this should be reflected in the provisions for its availability and visibility in shops. The general availability of alcohol is an important indicator when assessing alcohol-related harm. The aim is to ensure alcohol products cannot be displayed like ordinary grocery products but will be subject to strict merchandising requirements. It is intended that the policy aims of the section will be achieved. The Department of Health is continuing to work on the drafting the Bill and it is expected that it will be published during this Dáil session.