Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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989. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has been notified to the World Trade Organization under the technical barriers to trade agreement as a barrier to trade in the European Single Market; if he has considered the trade concerns raised by member states in the earlier notification to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24808/16]

Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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1109. To ask the Minister for Health the effect the notification of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to the World Trade Organization, under the technical barriers to trade agreement, has on the timeline for implementation; the consideration that has been given to the concerns raised by member states in the earlier notification to the European Commission; if amendments will be made to the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 989 and 1109 together.

The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement on the 9th June 2016. The standstill period of 90 days has now expired. The European Commission was formally notified of Ireland’s intention to introduce the proposed legislation on minimum unit pricing, labelling and control of marketing and advertising under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34/EC) in January 2016. The standstill period was extended until 28 of July 2016. The issues raised under the two notification processes are being considered. A response is being prepared for the Commission. Ireland will also continue to adhere to its WTO obligations. As the standstill period for both notifications has now ended, the Bill can proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Bill has been restored to the Seanad Order Paper and it is expected that it will commence Committee Stage early in the next term. It is likely that amendments will be considered in the context of Committee Stage as part of the legislative process.