Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the make-up of the new advisory group on alcohol abuse, chaired by Dr Gordon Holmes; if it includes representatives of the drinks industry or of employers' groups acting on behalf of the drinks industry; the remit of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The members of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group are:

Dr Gordon Holmes (Chair);

Chief Superintendent John Twomey, Garda Síochána;

Professor Ian O'Donnell, University College Dublin;

Dr Declan Bedford, Health Services Executive;

Mr Seamus Carroll, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and

Mr Robbie Breen, Department of Health and Children.

I intend to bring forward proposals for changes in the law on the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol for enactment before the Summer recess. In this context, the select Group under Dr Holmes's Chairmanship has been established to examine the following areas and to report to me by 31 March with their assessment of the best way forward—

the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale in such outlets, including below unit-cost selling and special promotions;

the increase in the number of licensed premises availing of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours; and

the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption.

The Group as established was always intended to be small in number and to focus on the specific remit outlined above. The Group will, of course, be in a position to have regard to submissions from interested parties, including the drinks industry. I welcome the fact that the Group has already published an advertisement in newspapers calling for submissions from interested parties and individuals and I look forward to receiving the Group's report in due course.