Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 1254: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the fact that up to 58% of the alcohol consumed here is being bought in premises other than pubs and hotels; if he will take steps to curtail such easy access structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2211/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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While up-to-date data relating to the sale of alcohol through off-licences and mixed trading premises are not yet available, I accept that there has been a marked increase in the sale of alcohol for consumption other than in licensed premises in recent years.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I intend to bring forward proposals for changes in the law relating to the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol which will, I hope, attract the support of both Houses for enactment before the Summer recess. In this context, a Government Alcohol Advisory Group has been established under the chairmanship of Dr Gordon Holmes and I have asked the Group to examine, inter alia, 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.

In view of the urgency of the matter, I have requested the Group to report to me by 31 March with their assessment of the best way forward. 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.