Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the establishment of a North/South Alcohol Body; the terms of references; the membership proposed from either side of the border; and when he expects the Body to have its first meeting. [6514/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A North/South Alcohol Forum has been established at the request of my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland. The aim of the forum is to contribute to reducing alcohol related harm on the island of Ireland. A scoping meeting was held last October to discuss the establishment of the North/South Alcohol Forum and terms of reference were agreed. The Forum met for the first time on the 05th February.

The Terms of Reference of the Forum are to:

- Provide a forum for discussion on alcohol issues;

- Strengthen all island alcohol initiatives;

- Exploit opportunities for North South cooperation on alcohol;

- Identify policy solutions and other measures to improve the legislative and regulatory arrangements impacting on supply and use of alcohol;

- Share information on evidence and research and

- Develop pathways for improved policy making and action.

The Membership of the Forum is as follows: