Liquor Licensing Laws

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2010

Thursday, 11 November 2010

Ceisteanna (200)

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

200 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will clarify the position regarding the practice by supermarkets of selling alcohol at exceptionally low price levels; if below-cost selling is allowed; if there is any policy or inquiries into same; if the relevant price is the invoiced price or if transportation, warehousing, profit and so on are considered to judge the base price; if there are health concerns regarding the level of alcohol now being consumed at home; if a minimum floor price for the sale of alcohol can be set to control consumption and provide fair competition with pubs; if trends in this direction in Scotland are being monitored and if an all-Ireland policy can be implemented [42204/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment revoked the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987 in March 2006, thereby removing price controls on alcohol products.

In March 2009, the Government agreed to include alcohol in the National Substance Misuse Strategy and a Steering Group was subsequently established under the aegis of the Departments of Health and Children and Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to develop proposals for integrating alcohol misuse into that Strategy. I understand that the Steering Group has been examining a range of issues relating to alcohol policy, including availability and pricing, and is due to submit its report, including policy recommendations, by the end of the year.