Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report of the Alcohol Advisory Group; the main recommendations of the report; when it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14069/08]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a previous parliamentary question, if he has received the report from the Government Alcoholic Advisory Group; if so, when it will be published; when the relevant legislation will be put in place to activate its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13974/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 555 together.

I intend to bring the contents of the Report of the Alcohol Advisory Group to the attention of Government in the very near future and, at the same time, seek Government approval of my proposals for the implementation of recommendations contained in the Report.

As the Deputy is aware, the Group was asked to examine the following areas of concern:

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

the increasing number of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours which are being obtained by licensed premises around the country; and

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

I also intend to publish the legislation during the current session and, with the assistance and cooperation of both Houses, to have it enacted before the Summer recess.