asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, being taken to halt the spread of alcoholism Ireland.

I am extremely concerned about the wide-ranging social and economic damage now arising from the abuse of alcohol and I accept that there is an urgent need to face up to the problem. My Department are at present engaged in the preparatory work for national campaign to combat the problem.

Pending the initiation of such a campaign a number of interim measure have been undertaken. I have had preliminary discussions with representatives of the drink industry with the object of securing their voluntary agreement ment to curtail their promotional activities and this course of action will be pursued. Extensive campaigns to encourage moderation in the approach to the use of alcohol have been conducted by the Health Education Bureau and following discussions with officers of my Department, Radio Telefís Eireann some months ago announced their intention to phase out drink advertising on radio and television.

Would the Minister consult with his colleagues in the Department of Justice about restricting sales of alcohol in supermarkets and such places where it is being given out freely to people under age?

That is a very important aspect of the matter and I understand stand that the Minister for Justice will be making an announcement very shortly on one particular aspect of occasional licences.