356. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol for sale from supermarkets, shops and off-licences. [6686/11] 

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly): The introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol is just one of the many issues being discussed by the Steering Group developing the National Substance Misuse Strategy (NSMS). The Steering Group was established in December 2009 to develop the alcohol element of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. It will base its recommendations on evidence based measures to deal with the significant public health issue of alcohol in areas such as supply (including price, availability and marketing), prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. I expect to receive the Report of the Steering Group later this year.