76. Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date on implementing the recommendations of the task force on alcohol. [8600/06]

115. Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date on implementing the recommendations of the task force of alcohol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8741/06]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power): I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 115 together. The strategic task force on alcohol was established in January 2002 and given a remit to recommend specific evidence based measures to Government to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm. It has published two reports which together provide approximately 100 recommendations across a wide range of sectors. Significant progress has already been made across Departments in implementing the task force recommendations. Legislative measures which have been adopted include the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 which assists in regulating availability. Happy hours have been abolished and restrictions on the access of children to licensed premises have been introduced. The Road Traffic Act 2003 extended the grounds for requesting a breath test to detect alcohol and the Minister for Transport has indicated his commitment to the introduction of random breath testing. A voluntary code of practice on alcohol advertising has been agreed between the Department of Health and Children and the drinks, media and advertising industries. This addresses many of the concerns about alcohol advertising. The Tánaiste has indicated her intention to introduce legislation if there is insufficient adherence to the voluntary code. Significant progress has also been made in terms of research projects, the delivery of responsible server training, awareness raising campaigns, etc. Community mobilisation projects have been identified internationally as one of the most effective measures at reducing alcohol related harm. Resources have been allocated to the Health Service Executive to support the such projects in this country. As the Deputy will be aware the executive functions of this Department have transferred to the Health Service Executive which will now have responsibility for progressing many of the task force recommendations. Vol. 615 No. 6 Written Answers Thursday, 2 March 2006