Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the low price of alcoholic drinks available, often with big supermarket chains using these products as loss leaders; if she considers such pricing policies are damaging in terms of preventing the abuse of alcohol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38649/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The low price of alcoholic drinks in the supermarket and off-trade sector is an ongoing matter of concern. The available research evidence shows that lower prices for alcoholic drinks results in more alcohol being sold and consumed with a resultant increase in alcohol-related harm in society.

The issue of the pricing of alcoholic drinks was considered by Government Alcohol Advisory Group in 2008. The resultant Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provided a legislative basis that would allow irresponsible price-based promotions of alcohol to be tackled.

In March, 2009 the Government agreed to include alcohol in a National Substance Misuse Strategy (NSMS) that would be coordinated jointly by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and my Department. A Steering Group has been established to develop proposals on the alcohol element of the NSMS. The NSMS Steering Group is examining a wide range of issues in relation to alcohol policy such as pricing, availability, treatment, prevention and marketing. The NSMS Steering Group is due to report on its findings by the end of the year. I look forward to receiving the Report from the Steering Group and in particular considering the recommendations around the price at which alcoholic drinks are sold.