1090. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of times the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body has reported to him or his Department with respect to compliance on a voluntary code of practice for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/16]

1091. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a revised statutory code in respect of alcohol marketing and communications; the work which has been done to date on this; the stakeholders he has met and when; the timeline for the introduction of the revised code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24637/16]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy): I propose to take Questions Nos. 1090 and 1091 together.

The Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB) was established in 2005 to monitor the level of adherence to Alcohol Marketing, Communications and Sponsorship Codes of Practice. The AMCMB has submitted nine annual reports to the Minister for Health. There are no plans to introduce a revised statutory code in respect of alcohol marketing and communications. Regulation of the advertising of alcohol products and sponsorship by alcohol companies is provided for in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill remains a priority for this Government. The Bill has been restored to the Seanad Order Paper and I expect that it will commence Committee Stage in October.