Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislative measures being introduced and or amended in the promised Sale of Alcohol Bill; if he will commit to engaging in consultation with relevant groups and stakeholders such as public health, youth and medical organisations who are concerned about alcohol misuse and alcohol related harm prior to publication of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40027/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in 2010. The Bill, which is currently being drafted, will modernise and streamline the law relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with updated provisions.

As regards consultation with relevant interests, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with stakeholders and other interested bodies, including public health, youth and medical organisations, during an earlier phase in the development of the Bill. A further consultation was undertaken last year by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group in the context of preparing the Report and recommendations which provided the basis for the measures included in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. Any further submissions from relevant groups and stakeholders will of course be carefully considered in the context of publication of the forthcoming Bill.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 24 February 2009, the reason for the delay in the commencement of test purchasing as provided for in section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Draft guidelines in respect of the procedures to be followed during test purchasing operations, which had been prepared by a Working Group chaired by my Department, are now to be finalised on the basis of formal consultations with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and the Minister for Health and Children, as provided for in the legislation. I intend to launch the guidelines as soon as possible.