Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 613: To ask the Minister for Health his views on proposals regarding the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol; if it will result in a loss of jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31528/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was established in 2009. It is examining the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol - including the issue raised by the Deputy - along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation, alcohol and substance dependency research and information. The report of the Steering Group is close to completion; I expect to receive proposals in the coming months and I will then brief my colleagues in Government on these. In the meantime, I will not pre-empt the work of the group.