The harm associated with the misuse of alcohol is well documented. Indeed, since Christmas there have been a number of fatalities and many of them are associated with the misuse of alcohol. When will the public health (alcohol) Bill come before the House? I also welcome the format of the legislative programme. The Taoiseach said the chairpersons of the committees will be met prior to any legislation being brought to the House, but the personnel who serve on those committees should also be given the opportunity to speak to Bills. That is important for the future as well.

The misuse of alcohol Bill is not on the A list, but that does not mean it cannot be discussed in a committee or raised as a Topical Issue matter. The matter is also being considered by the Cabinet sub-committee.

On the Deputy's second point, Ministers are now expected in the first instance to speak to the chairpersons of committees about the Bills that will come through in their respective areas. When the heads of the Bill are approved by the Government they are sent to the committees for the pre-legislative hearings. I expect that the chairpersons of the committees will have the opportunity to speak both to the Minister and to the issues following the report at pre-legislative stage. It is an attempt to open the opportunity to impact on legislation earlier and to a far greater extent than heretofore.