Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1276. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the Government is considering banning sports sponsorship by alcohol companies and replacing the lost revenue by imposing further special taxes on alcohol or providing Exchequer grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37182/13]
View answer1278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to take action to introduce evidence based measures such as minimum pricing to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37300/13]
View answer1352. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37460/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1276, 1278 and 1352 together.
Proposals are currently being finalised on foot of the recommendations in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy 2012. These proposals cover all of the areas mentioned in the report, including legislation on minimum unit pricing; controls on alcohol advertising and sponsorship - and any attended impact on the revenue streams of organisations; labelling of alcohol products; measures on access and availability of alcohol and a social responsibility levy on the drinks industry.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has considered these proposals and it is intended to bring forward a finalised package of proposals for consideration by Government shortly.
In the meantime, work on developing a framework for the necessary Department of Health legislation is continuing. A health impact assessment has been commissioned in conjunction with Northern Ireland as part of the process of developing a legislative basis for minimum unit pricing. The health impact assessment will study the impact of different minimum prices on a range of areas such as health, crime and likely economic impact.
