I thank party leaders and other Members of the House who have expressed condolences to the family of Cormac Ó Braonáin, and to the Labour Party given that he was the chair of Labour Youth, following his tragic passing in a road traffic accident last weekend. We are very grateful for that.

When the Labour Party was in government earlier in this decade, we were very keen to advance the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, which has since become the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. It was signed by the President in October 2018. I am concerned about the lack of progress in implementing this legislation since its enactment. As the Taoiseach knows, the introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol is one of the central measures provided for in the Act. Under the Act, the "minimum price per gram of alcohol ... shall be €0.10". As half a litre of strong beer with an alcohol strength by volume of 5% contains 20 g of alcohol, it should have a minimum price of €1.98. This would not have an impact on premium brands, craft beers or the average bottle of wine. Two of the categories of people on whom it would have an impact are young people involved in the binge drinking of cheap alcohol and those who are addicted to consuming high volumes of spirits. When will the Taoiseach set out a timeframe for the full implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018?

Before the Taoiseach responds, I would like to express sympathy on behalf of the House following the tragic, untimely and sudden death of Cormac Ó Braonáin. In paying tribute to this young man, we extend our sympathies to his family and to the Labour Party. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal dílis.

Go raibh maith agat.

I would like to be associated with those remarks and to offer my condolences and those of the Government to the Labour Party, Labour Youth and the wider Labour family on the loss of Cormac Ó Braonáin following a tragic accident. It must be an impossible time for his family and friends, particularly at this time of year. Some of those who attended the vigil that was held the other day told me that it was a very moving experience. I extend my condolences to everyone who knew him.

Some elements of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, which is now the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, have been enacted, particularly those relating to advertising and promotions. A key element of the legislation relating to minimum unit pricing has not yet been enacted. The Government's policy is to implement the relevant provisions at the same time that similar provisions are implemented in Northern Ireland. We do not want to encourage cross-Border purchases of alcohol. If people are crossing the Border to buy cheap alcohol, this measure will not work economically or in public health terms. Talks with the Northern Ireland parties are now under way. We would like a date for the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Northern Ireland to be part of any agreement among the parties there. We could then agree to do it on the same date. We cannot wait forever. If it does not prove possible to adopt the approach I have set out, we may need to go ahead with the introduction of minimum unit pricing unilaterally. We would have to bear in mind the consequences of such a decision.