I understand the sale of alcohol Bill to reform the alcohol licensing system and extend licensing hours for bars and restaurants has been in the works for a while now. The Government initially indicated the Bill would be introduced before the summer recess. However, the Taoiseach recently expressed scepticism about meeting the summer deadline, citing the need for careful consideration and to avoid unintended consequences. During pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill at the Joint Committee on Justice, it was advised that a health impact assessment of the legislation should be made. It has been called for by almost 80 NGOs and advocates. Will the Tánaiste clarify that the sale of alcohol Bill will not be published before the summer recess? Will the Government make a commitment to carry out a health impact assessment of the legislation, as advised, before it comes before the House?

I will revert to the Minister on the timeline for the legislation. My observations are that no one in Ireland has any difficulty in accessing alcohol. Alcohol or certainly excessive alcohol use has negative impacts. However, there are broader questions underpinning the legislation, to be fair. Many people in the House have called for reform of the licensing laws. It would be useful for more detailed proposals to emerge. I will come back to the Deputy on the Minister's position on a health impact assessment and the timeline.