212. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation  his plans to prevent the below cost sale of alcohol in supermarkets to restrict the access to alcohol for young persons. [28180/11]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton): The sale of alcohol is essentially regulated by the liquor licensing laws, which are the policy responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality and I have no direct function in this matter. It is the responsibility of each licensee to comply with the liquor licensing laws, including the law regarding the age of persons purchasing alcohol.

The use of sales promotions and pricing strategies in any business is a legitimate marketing tool and is the normal outcome of the competitive process. I have no direct function in relation to such practices which are a matter for the retailer and are not an offence unless they involve abuse of a dominant position. A determination on whether a retailer is abusing a dominant position in the marketplace would necessitate a comprehensive investigation by the Competition Authority. The Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State and complaints of any alleged anti-competitive practice should be referred to it.