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.