Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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501. To ask the Minister for Health if he has undertaken any analysis of the proposal to implement a social responsibility levy on drinks manufacturers as proposed by the Steering Group Report on a national substance misuse strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39453/13]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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541. To ask the Minister for Health when he proposes to publish the action plan to implement the recommendations of the steering group report on a national substance misuse strategy which was launched in February 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39467/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 541 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 - and any attended impact on the revenue streams of organisations; labelling of alcohol products; measures on access and availability of alcohol and a social responsibility levy on the drinks industry.

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 has been 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.