I have noted the findings of Bulletin 7 of the Drug Prevalence Survey 2010/2011, covering Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm in Ireland. The results of this survey back up the considerable bank of evidence already available on alcohol consumption, and the implications of that consumption, in Ireland.
The Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy, launched earlier this year, made a range of recommendations focusing on issues such as the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol; as well as on strategies in relation to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.
Arising from that report, my Department, in consultation with other key Departments, is finalising a set of proposals to deal with the use and misuse of alcohol with the intention of submitting proposals to Government as soon as possible.