Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 582: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will extend the off-licence trading hours to 11 p.m. closing, as requested by the independent off-licence trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47884/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group, which was submitted in early 2007, recommended that off-sales of alcohol be permitted only between the hours of 10.30 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. This recommendation was subsequently accepted by Government and given effect in section 4 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. The restriction on off-sales has received broad public support as part of the Government's overall strategy to address the public disorder and public health aspects of excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking. I have no plans therefore to extend the period during which of-sales of alcohol are permitted.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 583: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to introduce a code of practice to the sale of alcohol with a view to eliminating irresponsible trading and below-cost selling of alcohol by national and international multiple retail groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47885/08]

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 584: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way he proposes to tackle the ongoing problems facing the independent off-licence trade here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47886/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 584 together.

The position is that section 16 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the making of regulations to prohibit or restrict the advertising, promotion, sale or supply of alcohol products at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of any quantity of alcohol or of any other product or service. 'Reduced price' in this context includes the direct or indirect use of bonus points, loyalty cards or any similar benefit.

Following enactment of the 2008 Act, I approved the drafting of regulations to prohibit a licensee from selling or supplying alcohol products at a reduced price or free of charge under section 16(1)(b) of the Act. These proposals are based on recommendations of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group and are part of the Government's overall strategy to address the public disorder and public health aspects of excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

The draft regulations, which were drawn up in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Office of the Attorney General, were notified to the European Commission in December last as required under the Technical Standards Directive. This reporting arrangement is intended to ensure that national measures are in full accord with the smooth functioning of the EU internal market. The Commission has a period of at least three months, i.e. until March 2009, to examine the draft proposals and other member States may also submit observations.