Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the problem of underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57795/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group reported in February, 2012. The report contains a range of recommendations to, among other things, reduce the consumption of alcohol in general. These recommendations are grouped under five pillars of Supply Reduction (availability), Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research. The Report contains a range of recommendations that impact directly and indirectly on the problem of excessive youth alcohol consumption.

Real and tangible proposals are currently being finalised on foot of the recommendations in the National Substance Misuse Strategy report. These proposals cover all of the areas mentioned in the report, including: the areas of advertising of alcohol and sponsorship of various public events by the drinks industry. I intend to submit these proposals to the Government for consideration and approval as soon as possible.