342. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the engagements she has had with the Department of Health in relation to proposed amendments to the licensing laws; if a health assessment for the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43527/23]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: The Department of Justice has engaged in an extensive consultation process with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in relation to the proposed legislation in question. A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. More than 5,000 responses were received, including many responses from various health bodies.

In addition, a webinar and panel discussion event was held on 10 March 2022. The consultation process demonstrated that there is a strong demand for reform and modernisation of the law in this area. We are making sure the reform of this legislation takes account of, and is informed by, this engagement.

As part of the overall process, the Department of Justice continues to engage with the Department of Health on the development of the Bill and will fully consider its assessment of the health implications.