Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects amendments regarding certain licensing laws affecting supermarkets to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20142/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The position is that section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the structural separation of alcohol from other goods in supermarkets, convenience stores and similar outlets. However, during the period leading up to enactment of the 2008 Act, bodies representing the mixed trading sector proposed implementation of a voluntary code of practice with an independent audit and oversight mechanism as an alternative to section 9. A code of practice was subsequently drawn up and agreed between the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the mixed trading sector.

A new body – Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland Ltd (RRAI) – was established by the mixed trading sector to oversee implementation of the Code and Mr Padraic While was appointed as independent Chairperson of RRAI.

Following receipt of Mr White's third Compliance Report on the RRAI Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises in October last, I launched a public consultation process inviting views on the Report and, more generally, on the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation of alcohol products in such premises. I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval for proposals relating to future arrangements for the display and sale of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets in the coming weeks.