Alcohol pricing and public health
Tom Hayes sought an update on measures concerning cheap alcohol sales and binge drinking. The Taoiseach referred to pending sale-of-alcohol and public-health alcohol legislation, without giving a publication date.
I refer to the proposals on the low-cost selling of alcohol. Will the Taoiseach enlighten the House on what will happen in that regard? There is much concern among parents about binge drinking and the different reports on the issue. The former Minister of State, Deputy Róisín Shortall, was to bring a report to the House. Perhaps the Taoiseach might update us on the matter.
Comment on this
There are two related Bills, one being the sale of alcohol Bill and the other the public health (alcohol) Bill. The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, will deal with that issue. There are a number of reports in that regard. I cannot give the Deputy a date of publication, but the Minister of State is dealing with the issue which is of considerable importance.