Patricia Ryan
Question:1458. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to commence section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33823/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
Questions (1458)
Written answers
Section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 provides for the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol products of 10c per gram of alcohol. The 2013 Government Decision which approved the implementation of minimum unit pricing of alcohol products envisaged that it would be introduced in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland simultaneously. This was to allay concerns that its introduction in one jurisdiction only would impact on cross-border trade.
Legislation to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol products has not yet been introduced in Northern Ireland however, in July this year, the Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann committed to a public consultation on the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Northern Ireland.