National Substance Misuse Strategy

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Questions (119, 121)

Brendan Smith

Question:

119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when he will bring forward a national alcohol strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13868/13]

View answer

Niall Collins

Question:

121. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when he will bring forward measures to tackle alcohol abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13855/13]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 121 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputies that real and tangible proposals are currently being finalised on foot of the recommendations in the National Substance Misuse Strategy Report. These proposals cover all of the areas mentioned in the report such as:

- Legislation on minimum unit pricing which is about setting a statutory floor price per gram of alcohol;

- Access and availability of alcohol – including of structural separation in retail units where alcohol is sold;

- Advertising and sponsorship; and

- Treatment and prevention services within the HSE.

As part of the process of developing these proposals, my Department is continuing discussions with various Departments.

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has also considered the matter and I intend to bring forward specific proposals for consideration by Government as soon as possible. In the meantime, work on developing a framework for the necessary Department of Health legislation on minimum unit pricing and the advertising of alcohol is continuing. For example, in conjunction with Northern Ireland, a health impact assessment is being commissioned as part of the process of developing a legislative basis for minimum 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.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 38.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 119.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 61.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 7.