Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with the relevant members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding a joint approach to the introduction of minimum prices for alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46220/13]
View answerWork on developing a framework for the necessary Department of Health legislation on, among other things, Minimum Unit Pricing has been 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 genesis of this close cooperation was discussions at Ministerial and official level between both jurisdictions and these discussions are continuing. 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.
