Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 196: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 159 of 28 March 2006, if there is a national adviser on alcohol policy; if so, if she will identify this person; if not, the steps she is taking to ensure such a person is identified and appointed; and when she expects this appointment to take place. [13051/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health and Children remains responsible for the development of alcohol policy. However, it is recognised that an integrated approach is required for effective implementation. The Department has led on the establishment of a strategic task force on alcohol and a working group on alcohol and the three reports of these groups form the basis for current alcohol policy. Since the restructuring of the Department, the Health Service Executive has assumed responsibility for the implementation of many of the recommendations outlined in these reports. It is a matter for the HSE to decide on the structural requirements and levels of expertise needed in this regard. There are no plans to appoint a national adviser on alcohol policy in this Department.