221. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the Irish response to the objections raised by other EU member states on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill; the current position with respect to the Irish reply to these objections; the next stage; if he will publish this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27717/16]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy):  On 22 January 2016, the European Commission was formally notified of Ireland’s intention to introduce the proposed legislation on minimum unit pricing, labelling and control of marketing and advertising under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34/EC). Nine Member States issued detailed opinions on the proposed legislation. The EU Commission and two other Member States also issued comments. The standstill period was extended until 28 July 2016. Two further Member States issued comments and one Member State issued detailed opinions after the expiry of the standstill period. The issues raised are being considered and a response is being prepared for the Commission. As the standstill period has now ended, the Bill can proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Commission has advised that comments and detailed opinions issued under Directive 98/34/EC should not be released.