Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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875. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the action plan submission following the report of the steering group on National Substance Misuse Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27224/13]

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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884. To ask the Minister for Health his plans with regard to alcohol firms and the sponsoring of sporting events; if he will provide specific details in terms of the actions he intends to take and the date when a ban will be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27799/13]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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983. To ask the Minister for Health the time frame for the implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27412/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 875, 884 and 983 together.

Proposals are currently being finalised on foot of the recommendations in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy 2012. These proposals cover all of the areas mentioned in the report, including legislation on minimum unit pricing; controls on alcohol advertising and sponsorship; labelling of alcohol products, and measures on access and availability of alcohol. The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has considered these proposals and it is intended to bring forward a finalised package of proposals for consideration by Government shortly. In the meantime, work on developing a framework for the necessary Department of Health legislation is continuing. A health impact assessment is being commissioned in conjunction with Northern Ireland as part of the process of developing a legislative basis for minimum unit pricing. The health impact assessment will study the impact of different minimum prices on a range of areas such as health, crime and likely economic impact.