Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 784: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when each section of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29758/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 entered into force on 30 July 2008 with the exception of section 9 (structural separation in mixed trading premises) and part of section 14 (test purchasing of intoxicating liquor).

As regards structural separation, I indicated when introducing the Bill that I would be prepared to postpone implementation of section 9 if agreement could be reached with the mixed trading sector on a voluntary Code of Practice which would achieve the objectives of structural separation and on condition that compliance would be subject to independent audit and verification. Consultations between my Department and the sector are at an advanced stage and I am hopeful that agreement can be reached on the content of the Code in the near future.

As regards test purchasing, the position is that section 14 provides for guidelines in respect of necessary procedures to be drawn up following consultation with the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Health and Children. A Working Group involving my Department and representatives of the Department of Health and Children and the Garda Síochána are developing these guidelines.

Regulations are required in order to give practical effect to section 16 of the Act. Work has commenced on the drafting of regulations which will be submitted to the European Commission for approval under the terms of the EU Standards Directive.