Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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17. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the steering group report on the national substance misuse strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40064/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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; 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.