Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 489: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the meetings he or his officials have had or are proposing to have with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to the purchase of alcohol, the effects of alcohol, the below cost selling of alcohol, the removal of alcohol from the groceries order and the advertising of below cost selling of alcohol; the effects the subject of the stated questions are having on communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10494/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 490: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans or proposed legislation he has to address the major problem of adults purchasing alcohol for under age persons; if he or his Department has researched the effects, in terms of the creation of anti-social behaviour and alcoholism, that this practice is creating; if he or his officials have had meetings with the Department of Health and Children or its officials in determining means of dealing with this matter through present or new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10495/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 492: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to change present legislation or create new legislation in relation to off-licence premises; his views in relation to a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10513/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 490 and 492 together.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I intend to bring forward proposals in the next session for legislative reforms in relation to the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol which I hope will, with the assistance of both Houses, be enacted and implemented before the summer recess. I have asked the Government Alcohol Advisory Group to examine the following areas and to report to me by the 31st March—

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 submission referred to by the Deputy has been forwarded to the Group for consideration and I look forward to receiving the Group's Report, and their recommendations on how best to proceed, by the 31 March deadline. As regards consultations with other relevant Departments, the position is that such consultations on the matters raised by the Deputy are ongoing.