The Public Health (Alcohol) Act was passed by the House last year and most of us welcome its implementation. Minimum unit pricing was raised during the passage of the Bill and I understand the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, is intent on bringing the legislation in that regard into force. I refer to the absence of an assembly in the North of Ireland. It was stated during last year's debate that there was a need for back-to-back, simultaneous introduction of minimum unit pricing North and South to avoid an impact on retailers. I call on the Government to ensure it consults with the representative organisations of retailers and vintners on the impact this will have, particularly in the Border region. That is not about the day-to-day shopping of individuals but rather the criminal activity that will ensue if a significant price difference is brought about by the introduction of minimum pricing here but not in the North. I want the Taoiseach to be cognisant of the loss of trade and revenue.

I will have to speak with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, or Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, to get an update on the matter. The Deputy's point is well made. We will achieve nothing if all we are do is encourage people to cross the Border to buy alcohol in Northern Ireland. That does nothing for their health and it damages retailers in counties south of the Border. That does not make common sense. The original intention all along was to do it at the same time as Northern Ireland but that is a problem in the absence of an assembly and Executive there. I will check matters with Deputies Harris and Catherine Byrne but the point the Deputy makes is valid and made well. However, this will not prevent us from implementing many other aspects of that groundbreaking public health legislation.