merrion street

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, Minister of State Alex White, Minister James Reilly and Minister Frances Fitzgerald at the press conference today

Primary Care Minister Alex White today announced that the Government has approved an extensive package of measures to deal with alcohol misuse.

Some of the measures include:

• Minimum unit pricing for retailing of alcohol products
• Regulation of marketing and advertising of alcohol
• Enforcement powers will be given to Environmental Health Officers
• Structural Separation of alcohol from other products in mixed trading outlets
• Regulation of sports sponsorship

Welcoming the Government decision Minister for Health Dr James Reilly said:

Alcohol misuse in Ireland is a serious problem with two thousand of our hospital beds occupied each night by people with alcohol related illness or injury. This impacts on families and individuals at every level of society. It’s deeply worrying too that young people are starting to drink earlier and to drink more. The average Irish person over the age of 15 is consuming the equivalent of a bottle of vodka a week. The Government is committed to tackling these problems and this week’s decision marks a significant further step in that direction to create an environment where responsible consumption of alcohol is the norm.

Minister White said:

 The Government has recognised the severe consequences of the misuse of alcohol – including deaths, injuries and social and financial problems – and has determined to take action to address this problem. The package of measures to be implemented is the result of intensive discussions across Government departments, and will include provision for minimum unit pricing for alcohol products and the regulation of advertising and marketing of alcohol.