Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he decided not to put measures in place for a product (details supplied) as was previously mooted; his views on this product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7556/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The marketing and sale of spirit-based alcoholic drinks supplied in lightweight plastic containers, and the possibility of restricting the circulation of such products, continues to be the subject of review by my Department and the Department of Health and Children. While it is not clear that such products are actively marketed with young people in mind, the fact that the containers are light, portable and easy to conceal means that they could be attractive to persons under the age of 18. The problem arose in 2004 in relation to vodka sachets (known as "Bullseye Baggies") which had been placed on the market and which appeared to be directed at young people. On that occasion, my Department sought and obtained the cooperation and agreement of the licensed trade — both the on-trade and off-trade — not to market the product and this strategy proved effective and successful.

The experience is that where any such product is already in free circulation within the EU internal market, difficulties arise in prohibiting or restricting its circulation and consumption within a single country. In the event of the problem re-emerging, my intention would be to again ask both the drinks industry and the licensed trade for their support and cooperation in refusing to market and supply the product. I am pleased to say that there is now a high level of awareness of the extent of alcohol-related harm in our society and anything that is likely to exacerbate or add to existing problems should be avoided.